Messi Deserves Argentina’s Love During His Final Match – Zanetti

Javier Zanetti has paid an emotional tribute to former international teammate Lionel Messi ahead of his final Argentina appearance against Benin on Tuesday night. He recently had his say while speaking to the press, and fans have been reacting.

Placing the talismanic playmaker alongside Diego Maradona, Zanetti praised Messi‘s resilience and backed Lautaro Martinez to lead the South American giants forward.

The Inter Milan vice-president concluded by expressing sheer admiration for Lionel’s natural genius.

His words, “I remember that he didn’t speak much, he was still very young, but he was always phenomenal.

Right now, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of my ‘Pupi’ foundation, an episode in his native Rosario comes to mind. Maxi Rodriguez and I organised a charity match at Newell’s Old Boys’ stadium: there were 40,000 people, all there for Leo.

He was always available and supportive of events like this, and that says a lot about him too.

It didn’t take much to realise it; from the very first training session you could see his difference: it was clear that he would make our national team great.

After Diego [Maradona], another genius was born, and once again in our country: incredible!

I’ve always had a great relationship with him, based on mutual respect, crossing paths on the right occasions.

We haven’t spoken ahead of this special event, partly because I wanted to give him his peace. I hope he can experience every emotion he deserves and receive the love of an entire nation.

He has given us so much. He is an example of resilience for everyone, considering how hard he had to fight. He fell and got back up until he carried us to glory. He managed to unite an entire nation.

I would simply say thank you. Thank you for all the emotions he allowed us to experience, for his commitment, for how he represented us across the world, for always giving his absolute all, and for taking our flag as high as possible.”