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Netherlands v Argentina – FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball 2022 – Quarter Final – Lusail Stadium Argentina s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring their side s second goal of the game from the penalty spot during the FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final match at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar. Picture date: Friday December 9, 2022. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxIRL Copyright: xPeterxByrnex 70183300
via Imago
Netherlands v Argentina – FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball 2022 – Quarter Final – Lusail Stadium Argentina s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring their side s second goal of the game from the penalty spot during the FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final match at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar. Picture date: Friday December 9, 2022. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxIRL Copyright: xPeterxByrnex 70183300
Turning your rival into your fan is a mark of greatness. Soccer icon Lionel Messi is no stranger to such a feeling. Every time the 7 time Ballon d’Or takes the pitch, he converts many of his naysayers into fans and well-wishers.
Recently, one of Messi’s most hated rivals gave an interview, where he praised the Inter Miami player for his skills. The player’s surprising statements have sent social media into a frenzy.
“He is the best ever” – Chilean legend buries the hatchet with Messi
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In a recent interview with Radio Continental de Argentina, Chilean international player Gary Medel was quipped about his heated rivalry with Lionel Messi. The ‘Pitbull’ replied graciously and said that “the fight with Messi was on the court.”
The midfielder then showered praises on La Pulga and said that he wants the Argentine to keep on exhibiting his greatness on the world stage. Medel also claimed that the 7 time Ballon d’Or winner could walk into any team in the world thanks to his unique set of skills.
“La pelea con Messi quedó en la cancha. Él tiene que ser feliz y seguir demostrando que es el mejor de la historia. Puede estar en cualquier club del mundo porque no hay nadie como él”.
Firma: Gary Medel, en @SDM_590. pic.twitter.com/ZPAWZVRWjo
— JS (@juegosimple__) July 27, 2023
“The fight with Messi was on the court. He has to be happy and continue to show that he is the best ever. He can be in any club in the world because there is no one like him,” Medel said.
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Despite winning the Ballon d’Or in 2019, the year, in particular, may not bring back the fondest memories for the Barcelona legend, considering his exploits for Argentina that year. La Pulga entered the Copa America in blistering form for Barcelona. However, he couldn’t translate his club form to his national team, as a lackluster campaign by Messi saw Argentina missing the finals.
Throwback to 2019 when Gary Medel brought the worst out of Lionel Messi
Argentina was pitted against Chile for the third-place playoff. As expected, La Pulga was upset with his performance and wasn’t interested in fighting for third place. Chile’s Gary Medel, meanwhile, was evidently amongst the most frustrating players in the world thanks to his habit of riling up the opposition.
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As luck would have it, Medel was tasked to contain Messi and the rest as they say is history. La Flea was constantly fouled, leading to tempers reaching their boiling point to the extent that duo almost came to blows. Both of them were eventually red-carded and sent off at the 37th minute. Argentina, however, won the match 2-1.
