Messi’s World Cup rival shares a bizarre story about against Argentina: “Our coach refused to say his name”

In a career full of individual distinctions and more team trophies than any other player in history, one title that had been missing for a long time Lionel Messi was the FIFA World Cup. He has finally reached that dream with Argentina in Qatar 2022And now one of his rivals in that tournament has revealed a curious anecdote from the experience.

Jackson Irvinemidfielder for FC St. Pauli in the Bundesliga and a key figure for the Australian National Teamrecently spoken with former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe HartAnd Messi was a central subject of their conversation. Irvine shared some memorable details from the face Argentina In Qatar.

“Funny story, our coach refused to say his name, Graham Arnold,” The midfielder started. ‘We did our meeting, our tactical meeting the day for the game and he just kept calling him ‘the number 10’ He said, “You know that number 10, he likes to come in on his left.” And I had something like that: ‘Yes, I know he would like to come to his left, size. I watched him for 20 years. ” ‘

Argentina and Australia met in the round of 16 by the latter World cupWith the South Americans who claim a 2-1 victory. Messi scored the opener late in the first half. ‘Everyone continues to walk. They look like a lack of interest. But he analyzes. He looks at behavior, he finds space. And 42 minutes we were in that game, “ Irvine remembered.

‘And then, you know, it’s a wide free kick, you lose shape and it smells it. And he comes to life, and you see that he knows, “They don’t look at me now.” And he lights up,“Said the St. Pauli player. ‘Don’t steal it, it doesn’t hit. He just rolls it in the corner as if he has done almost a thousand times. That’s why he’s the best for me. It’s about those moments. “

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Joe Hart also praises Messi

During the same conversation, Joe Hart asked Jackson Irvine or Messi is the best player he has ever confronted. “Due to a national mile. For so many different reasons,” The Australian midfielder answered before he put the question back to the former goalkeeper.

“Lionel Messi, when I played against him, we were a good team. Manchester City, Barcelona playing. Really good team,“Heart started. “And you couldn’t help it … The conversation was just about him.” How are we going to stop him? How is it? ” And then when he comes up and plays at that level … We need superstars in the game, right? We need superheroes. And he’s sure that. “

A few records from Lionel Messi

The praise from Joe Hart and Jackson Irvine, such as that of countless other players and coaches, is not only supported by the magic that the Argentinian attackers displays on the field, but also by the countless records he has smashed.

Messi is the Most decorated player in football history with 46 career titles, the Leader of all time in Ballon d’Or Awards With eight, the The second highest goal scorer once with 874 goals (only behind Cristiano Ronaldo), and the Leader of all time in assists With 390.