Lionel Messi was called up to the Indonesian national team: the story that shocked and went around the world

Lionel Messi is coming off his second Copa America win with Argentina. The Rosario-born star is a global phenomenon that goes beyond soccer. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports)

Lionel Messi He is the best player in the world and his image transcends football and sport in general. He became a global phenomenon and is one of the most recognized figures on the planet. He is loved in all latitudes and together with the Argentine national team he created an unparalleled craze in Asia. A new chapter about the impact of the Rosario star has been written on that continent and it is a special and captivating story.

In 2008, Leo was already one of the most famous players and shone in the Barcelonawhile seeking to establish himself in his country’s senior team after winning the gold medal that year at the Beijing Olympics and time before the Sub 20 world in the Netherlands in 2005.

On May 6, 2008 he came into the world Lionel Messi Al Fachriwhose parents were influenced by the Argentine star who was then just 21 years old. At that time the newborn Indonesia He made a splash when his name was registered and the topic remained there.

The “Indonesian Messi” is 16 years old and plays football as a defender (@nahuelzn)

Time passed and today he transcended again. By the work of fate or perhaps the love of football that he must have imbibed from a very young age, he practiced this sport and the now teenager was called up for the Under 17 selection from his country. The 16-year-old boy plays in the ASIOP Football Academy and his talent was captured for the national youth cast.

The news of “Lionel Messi was called up for the Indonesian national team” went around the world and the truth is that Lionel Messi Al Fachri was called up to participate in the qualifying matches for the Asian Cup Sub-17which will be carried out from October 19 to 27, 2024. They are part of Group G together with Kuwait, Australia and the Northern Mariana Islands. If they qualify, they will compete in the continental event that will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2025.

Unlike Lionel Messi Argentine, known for wearing the numbers 10, 19, 18 and 30 throughout his career, the young Indonesian plays as a defender and wears the number 6 for his team. “He is a young man with a lot of skills, and his name certainly puts him in the spotlight. We hope he can handle the pressure and continue to develop in his career,” his coach said in an interview with BBC Sports.

Lionel Messi Al Fachri is on the list of players called up for his country’s Under 17 team (@nahuelzn)

Indonesiawith an estimated population of 279 million inhabitantsis one of the most populous countries in the world and football is a national passion. However, its achievements in international competitions have been limited. “The call-up of young talents such as Lionel Messi Al Fachri is a sign that Indonesia is working on its youth academy to seek future success,” said a spokesman for the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI).

“It is an expression of admiration and hope. Names like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo have become common in various youth categories of our football,” explained the sports sociologist. Grace Gunawan in Al Jazeera.

What happened in Indonesia is another example of the phenomenon that generates Lionel Messi around the world and especially in Asia. To the stories in Bangladesh With his fans supporting Argentina with massive demonstrations, this 16-year-old now seeks to make history with his national team.