Lionel Messi sat out the second game of the international phase for Argentina. Nevertheless, he stayed with the team, for which he received a lot of praise.
WHAT HAPPENED? Lionel Messi was not used in Argentina’s game against Bolivia in La Paz after being substituted late in Thursday’s win over Ecuador. But instead of flying to Miami to recover, Messi opted to stay with his teammates as they made the grueling journey to 3,600 meters above sea level in the second game of World Cup qualifying – which impressed his goalkeeper.
WHAT WAS SAID? Martinez explained after the comfortable 3-0 win: “The hunger is there. It’s the same captain who could have gone home, but he accompanied us. That makes us proud that he continues to feel that way, loves us and is with us “I’m proud to stand behind these guys.”
The Aston Villa goalkeeper, who is usually the subject of hostility from opposing fans, was delighted with the warm welcome from the Bolivian fans. “Normally they don’t like me much outside Argentina,” smiled Martinez. “But today the Bolivians surprised me by chanting my name and I have great respect for this country.”
THE PICTURES FOR THE NEWS:
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WHAT’S NEXT? There is still great joy in the Argentine national team camp after winning the World Cup in Qatar in December. The Argentine players will now return to their respective clubs but will reunite in October for qualifying matches against Paraguay and Peru.
2023-09-13 18:03:20
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