Lionel Messi returned to action from an injury as he made an appearance for the national team in the World Cup qualifier against Paraguay. The Captain received a warm welcome from his teammate, Nicolas Otamendi, who made a nice gesture for the little magician.
Lionel Scaloni started Messi on the bench as he returned to the match-day squad from a muscular injury. The Argentine has been out of action for two weeks.
Messi made an appearance during the second half when he was subbed in for Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez. However, as the substitution was being made, Messi was caught on camera signaling disapproval to someone.
Messi told Nicolás Otamendi not to give him the captain armband as he entered as a sub.
He gave it to him anyways 💙 pic.twitter.com/PsTv2jLX0l
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 13, 2023
That someone was his teammate, Nicolas Otamendi, who was the on-field captain in Messi’s absence from the starting lineup. Otamendi was preparing to remove his captain’s armband due to the substitution of Messi, which was disapproved by the little magician himself.
However, Otamendi didn’t stop as he passed the captain’s armband to the first captain of the team. The gesture brought a smile to Messi’s face, as well as roars from thousands of home fans.
The match ended in favor of Argentina, who won the game by a single goal, scored by none other than Otamendi himself in the 3rd minute of the match.
Messi telling Otamendi to keep the captain armband….and you wonder why they go to war for him.
True leader 🐐pic.twitter.com/6I0kYtSNpi
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) October 13, 2023
Online fans were in favor of Otamendi as they commented on the humbleness of Lionel Messi. Comments like “Messi deserves respect in the Argentina team. He is a great captain,” “The goat doing everything possible to be a normal person but it’s too late because he’s already a GOAT,” “Very humble act from Messi,” and “He is the best player in the world. The most humble player,” echoed the sentiments of the fans.
Looking forward, the Argentine squad will travel to Peru for another World Cup qualifier in five days’ time. Lionel Messi is expected to start the game after playing 40 minutes against Paraguay.
River Plate gifted Lionel Messi and his family a VIP box for life
This World Cup qualifier took place at El Más Monumental in Buenos Aires. The stadium is the home venue for the iconic Argentine club, River Plate. Before the game, the club showed their appreciation for the legendary, Lionel Messi, with a gesture of their own.
They had a special arrangement before the match to present and dedicate a VIP box in the stadium. The box has been provided to Messi and his family for eternity. The gesture was in response to Messi leading the country to a World Cup triumph in the 2022 edition in Qatar.
🚨 This is the box that River Plate will give to Messi family.
🎥 @juanbalbi9 pic.twitter.com/gu36WpXECC https://t.co/0syPt4BGi4
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) October 12, 2023
The box is situated in the San Martin section of the stadium and has room for 12 people. At the time of the presentation, the box was decorated with a nameplate of Lionel Messi. Upon entry, some pictures of the forward can be observed along with regular amenities like a couch, a table, a television, a bathroom, a refrigerator, and comfortable seating.
This gesture is another example of the respect and love, Lionel Messi has earned after leading the country to a Copa América and a World Cup in back-to-back years. The perception and gestures represent a stark contrast from the times when Messi was deemed as a failure for failing on the last hurdle for the nation in a couple of Copa America titles and the 2014 World Cup.
