The Messi phenomenon: A greedy team pays tribute to a captain who never gives up

Bolivia loves him: he is the biggest reason for the sell-out.This is what the chronicle says nation March 29, 2017. These words serve as the beginning of this article. It just happened again. Lionel Messi It’s so different that, vulture’s fieldLocated 3600 meters from La Paz, the environment here is very unsuitable for running and has caused some deserters in the past. He climbed twice because he knew he wouldn’t compete. There will be no second visit; at least not as a footballer. The useless statistical category will record that he never scored at the Hernando Siles Stadium. Six years ago, he was locked in the locker room, shocked and disturbed. From the outside, a defeat left the team in a demonic predicament. This time he was smiling and leaning relaxed on the bench. From the outside, Qatar’s heroes were victorious and began to naturalize the seemingly impossible. Argentina wins again in La Paz, now with a luxurious spectator: Lionel Messi.

On that morning in late March 2017, Messi woke up at the Hotel del Sol in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. climb During his heyday at La Paz, he found himself suspended four times by FIFA for insulting a Brazilian assistant referee during a match against Chile just days before, also during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Russia. trauma caused.

There was immediate speculation that he would return to Buenos Aires. But the injured captain still made his way to La Paz. The flight back to Europe was chartered by Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (where Di María plays) and was parked on the runway at El Alto Airport waiting. Messi was there but mostly absent. Reflect on anger. He showed little, he did not speak, and his few public gestures could be seen through the bus windows in response to some greetings from Bolivians. Fans were surprised that day and yesterday, when they notice their absence. Despite the heartbreak, there was no blame. Certified idolatry.

That rainy afternoon, Messi ducked into the local dressing room and watched the entire game, accompanied by Marcelo Tinelli and Jorge Miadosqui, all three in front of the television. Watch. Previously, members of the White Celeste delegation searched somewhere between the fourth and fifth floors of the Miraflores neighborhood giant, but the safety of the players was not guaranteed. The country’s president, Evo Morales, then invited him to his box, but Messi appreciated the treat. He was in no mood to discuss protocol. After the 2-0 defeat (Argentina moved into the play-offs, Bauza began typing on a loop during Claudio Tapia’s first months as president of the Argentine Football Association), he received his teammates, some of whom were in the dressing room, in People feel dizzy. Because of the height, but also because of the position table.

Messi will no longer play in La Paz. In 2009, they lost 1-6 to Maradona; in 2012, they drew 1-1 with Sabella; in 2017, they lost 0-2 to Bauza on the outside, and in 2020 and 2023, they lost to Ska Winning results were achieved on the field and out wide under Ronnie’s leadership. Yesterday, the people’s shouts did not stop “Miesi, Miesi, Miesi”almost like a farewell tribute. There was even a loud ovation and some unsuspecting runs when the number 10 jersey was finally put on Angel Correa’s back.

The final event, as it still appeals to everyone, saw Messi sitting at one end of the bench, next to Leandro Paredes. Even dressed differently, wearing a light blue sweatshirt (he added a jacket as the sun went down) instead of the blue T-shirt they entered in. Unprecedented profile: Although he has made 23 appearances as a substitute in his 18-year draft career, there was always the possibility of entry.It is A silver medalist who was honored for his national team duty, his accomplishments being recorded in the history books…but not him. In the evening they took a different route: the entire delegation returned to Buenos Aires, except Messi takes private flight to Miami. But they will meet again soon.

Is it necessary to risk Messi? No. No sports emergency has occurred: Lionel Scaloni’s success was based on the abruptness of Bolivia’s proposal. And after 48 days of delay, a total of 12 games were played, which is about Inter Miami team logoas in less than a month the team will call up its captain for a doubleheader in October – Paraguay and Peru – while ‘Tata’ Martino’s side could seal its MLS playoff bid level.

But Messi will answer the call again. In La Paz, he will play his 200th game in the history of the national team, Since his youth, Proof of commitment and effectiveness. Loyalty to colors has always been Messi’s capital. The man who never abandoned himself in difficult times, just took a break and enjoyed being a champion full of loyalty and belonging. This is also called a legacy.