Osvaldo Ardiles: “I really liked how Messi played in the World Cup, but I liked more that he was happy”

Osvaldo Cesare Ardiles. They tell him the Nail. He was born on August 3, 1952 in the charming Juniors district of the capital Córdoba. Before being a footballer, and one of the best midfielders in the history of Argentina, his father forced him to study. He tried to be a lawyer. But the ball could do more.

He played in Juniors, Instituto, Belgrano and in the unforgettable Huracán del Flaco Menotti, who amazed with his game half a century ago. He was one of 22 Pioneers to be awarded the first star for the AFA shield with the Selezione that conquered the world in 1978 at the hands, once again, of Menotti. He shared unforgettable moments with Ricardo Julio Villa in England. Previously, Loco Saldaño, Beto Beltrán, Ricardo Cherini and Mario Kempes had done it at the Institute of their loves. He had a brief stay at PSG, a very different PSG from the current one, during the Malvinas war. And a pass through Japan. He was also the protagonist, with a bicycle that all the boys wanted to imitate, in “Escape to Victory”, a Hollywood film in which Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone and Pele split the bill.

His life is also a movie. Very good. He is married with two children and six grandchildren. At 70 he no longer believes that he will return to live in Argentina. London has been his place in the world for a long time.

He wants to talk to Ardiles. It’s seven in the morning here in Córdoba and the Nail responds with a phone call to the invitation of clarion to do an interview. She literally talked about everything. Of his life, of English football, of the 78 World Cup in full dictatorship, of Daniel Walkway and, of course, del Selection by Lionel Scaloni who was recently crowned world champion in Qatar 2022 with Lionel Messi like a star and with a Cordovan-like slope Giuliano Alvarez and another midfielder likes it Enzo Fernández, a 21st century Ardiles. And with another Cordovan, like Cristian Cuti Romerowhich he hosted on his return to Tottenham, his Tottenham, after the unforgettable end of the year in the Middle East.

The first thing Ardiles wants to talk about – because, of course, world champions talk about what they want – is his Institute who returned to the First Division after so many years and is the star of the Lega Professionisti. No need to ask him. He goes off alone Nail, who was the first to fight against the cursed coronavirus that had mistreated him and who underwent heart surgery at the end of 2022, in the middle of the World Cup. As in his days as a tireless flyer, bones Go on.

—The promotion of the Institute has been an enormous happiness. And I’m considering traveling to my Córdoba to hug with my friends and celebrate this milestone. They told me that the pitch is beautiful and that I intend to go back and sit in the red and white stand to enjoy a game. I know all seats have been sold and there is a record of members. There I started as a player, despite playing in the Juniores and debuting as a boy in Canale 12 baby football. My brother Manuel tells me everything about the club because he lives in Córdoba and is a fan

“Why then did you choose London?”

—I have not chosen where to live. That’s how things went. I finished my football career in 1989 and got a coaching job in England. Almost without realizing it, the years have passed, the boys have grown up and I have kept my home in London. Then I went to Japan. Time went by and it became very difficult for me to go back to Argentina. And the grandchildren have arrived…

—How is the Ardiles clan made up?

Silvia, my wife. My sons Pablo and Federico. And my grandchildren: Sofia, Sebastián, Benjamin, Isabella, Lucia and Maximiliano. I take advantage of it and I want to greet the friends who have been to Córdoba such as Commisso, Annelli, Olmedo or the Old Beltran…

—Speaking of old friends or colleagues… What do you think of Passarella’s return to the Monumental?

—I heard that comeback was very nice. But I know there are people who don’t forget River’s descent. I want to remember and underline that Daniel was our great captain of the 1978 national team. For having lifted the cup, he is among the best Argentine players in history. He was a strong defender and took penalties very well.

—Did the military dictatorship have any influence on that World Cup?

“We had nothing to do with it. We didn’t know what was going on. That team played football and that’s what Menotti asked us. We never thought about it. I had a bad time there in England during the Falklands War. That’s why I’m I went to play in France. But nothing ever happened to me. I always say I’m a footballer and now I live in London. I’ve never mixed politics with sport. And I’m a happy boy.

—Before Qatar 2022, did you imagine an Argentina national team once again world champion?

—Yes, obviously he thought that the national team could be world champions. The record of games without losing, winning the Copa América, made it a candidate. But obviously I wasn’t the only candidate because there were other very strong teams, including France. And that’s how the final happened. Brazil and England were also very strong, but I always had faith in Argentina. Even when they lost to Saudi Arabia, I thought the same thing, that they could have won the World Cup, because a great team doesn’t stop being a great team because of a loss.

—What do you think of the arrival of Enzo Fernández in English football? Do you think he will adapt quickly?

—I know that Chelsea paid 121 million euros and that he hasn’t exploded as a player yet, having only played a handful of games. The fans will ask. That’s why you have to be careful. Because Enzo will have to adapt not only as a player but also socially. It’s difficult, but I think he will be successful if he reaches the level he had in the Argentina national team.

—And what do you think of Dibu Martínez?

“He’s been here a long time and people know him well. Plus, it scaled well. His level is very high. He has a lot of experience and is very comfortable at Aston Villa. I also found out that he donated the gloves he used at the World Cup to raise money for children in need. I really congratulate you. In the World Cup he was one of the highest points of the Argentine national team. His level was outstanding.

—And we have Julián Alvarez, who is from Córdoba like you and has recently arrived at Manchester City…

—I like that boy. Because he puts a lot of attitude and also has a goal. I hope he does well and that he is successful in football. And hopefully it will also continue in the Selection.

—Since we’re talking about the players of the national team, how did Messi see it at the World Cup in Qatar?

—Leo was criticized a lot in Argentina because they said he played well for Barcelona and not for the national team. Luckily he came out as world champion and covered the mouths of many. Now I find it comfortable. He became a foreman. I liked how much he played, but I liked him more that he was happy. I hope that, beyond the fact that he is already 35, he will continue on this path.

—Do you see Messi playing in the Premier League? Do you think he could be adapted to English football?

—Messi would have been a sensation in England. He could have been, of course. Although, beware, it can still be because the last word has not been said. You never know. I think Messi is the best player in the world and he can play anywhere. Here, in Argentina, in Spain, in Japan… Not only do I believe he is one of the best players in the world, but I call him one of the three wise men along with Pele and Maradona. Then there are many princes like Cruyff, Ronaldo or Zidane. But no one else is a match for these three monsters.

—How did you experience the World Cup final?

—The play that I suffered the most was Dibu Martínez’s save in the last minute of extra time. Later, when the penalties were over and we beat France, I clung to my family. The truth is that I was very excited.

“And that you recently had heart surgery.

—Yes, the doctor always tells me that: “Take care of your emotions, Osvaldo.” But now I’m fine and, moreover, I could not miss this joy for the Argentine national team title. Long live Messi’s selection!

Cordoba. corresponding.