The KURIER recently asked: Do you have to be an asshole to be a soccer superstar? The Argentinian answer is yes! Because before the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar against Croatia (20:00, ARD & MagentaTV), Lionel Messi inspires the country about him like never before. The reason is not so much his brilliant moments on the pitch. Rather, it is a new team that Messi shows at the World Cup in the desert. Like Maradona: Argentina loves the Messi mafia!
The world title would put Messi level with Diego Maradona († 60), Argentina’s number one folk hero. But the now 35-year-old football wizard is also working to become more and more like his idol and that of millions of Argentines.
Messi suddenly shows emotions at the World Cup
If before Messi was considered an introvert away from the field, not a man of big words, but unapproachable, which has changed abruptly in Qatar. Messi suddenly shows emotion, talks about his family in interviews and the pressure to win the world title.
Imago/Moritz Müller
Argentina’s Lionel Messi (35) provoked the Netherlands with his goal celebration, notably by sweeping coach Louis van Gaal off his feet.
Scandals: Messi like Maradona
But that’s not all: the PSG star provoked opponents by celebrating goals and caused a television scandal after his thrilling penalty against the Netherlands when he refused to shake Oranje striker Wout Weghort’s hand on camera , even calling him a “crazy”. “. and “Dork” insulted.
While some countries even take charge of a national hero after such actions, Argentina celebrates Messi for it. Symbolically: T-shirts launched by a fashion chain with Messi’s slogan “Qué mira, Bobo?”
Mob Messi: all of Argentina loves him for it
“He has become Messi Maradoniana,” says Argentinean and soccer pundit Carlos Bernegger of Swiss newspaper Blick of the six-time world footballer’s transformation into a Messi rabble. Bernegger explains: “He shows emotions, he’s outgoing. He shows that he’s flesh and blood too, and you really see that he’s passionate about Argentina. All of Argentina loves him for that.”
Messi himself grabs his pathetic bag of tricks before the duel with Croatia, uses his new Messi-Maradona image and explains: “Diego looks at us from the sky and pushes us. I hope it stays that way until the end.”
Read more about the World Cup in Qatar here >>
