Messi is happy: from boos in Paris to the most dreamed days with the Argentine national team

From Parisian boos to Argentinian applause. From another hard defeat in a Paris Saint-Germain that wavers and does not give confidence to continue celebrating the most important and most desired title of his life with his country. From the criticisms of the press and of some French representatives who unfairly point him out as one of those responsible for this gray present from the team of Christopher Galtier to the recognition of all Argentina. Without balance. Lionel Messi he got off the plane that took him across the Atlantic on Monday and changed his climate, mood and demeanor. The captain of the Selection is alive his happiest days in his homeland as he was the center of excessive love by the Albiceleste fans who declare their total devotion to him. And Leo lets himself be touched by those caresses that sweeten his soul. A snack of what will be the party this Thursday at the Monumentale.

Far from hiding, from keeping to the intimacy of his family, from avoiding any kind of exposure, from sneaking out the back door, Messi surrenders to the irrepressible displays of affection from the Argentines, who go crazy when they discover that the best player in the world He went to eat like another mortal with his family in a barbecue in Buenos Aires. Leo, with his parents and brothers, plus Adrián Suar, dined on Monday evening at the Don Julio restaurant, which offers a menu with the best meats and wines of this land. He entered and exited from the main entrance, like any other diner, even though he revolutionized the place and the entire Palermo district. The corner was filled with people who began to throng hoping to see their idol. Messi stayed until after midnight in the club’s cellar room, where there’s a table for 12 diners. It’s a more private sector.

When he left, instead of being stunned by the human tide that shouted at him and asked for photos, autographs and just to touch his hand, the native of Rosario drew a huge smile on his face and sank into the crowd, escorted by security personnel. He waved, laughed, was surprised. I’m glad to hear it. And this, after all, is what Messi has finally been doing for some time and in a marked way after winning the Copa América and the World Cup: enjoying what he has to experience with the national team.

“What’s happening to him seems beautiful to me because he deserves all that love. He needs to see that his people love him. he will stay forever“, She said Lionel Scaloni at a press conference when asked about this furor around La Pulga. And yes, even the most successful in this sport needs to feel loved. But for Leo this affection, this recognition is special because it comes from his own people, from the Argentines.

He has suffered so much. suffered so much. Many times he was left without knowing what to answer to his eldest son Thiago when he asked him “why do they kill you in Argentina, dad”. And, although those who killed him with harsh criticisms of his performances in the national team were not part of the vast majority to the point of even questioning what he felt for the Biancoceleste shirt, they were the ones who joined him and hurt Messi in those years in which fate seemed determined not to let him win anything with the AFA shield on his chest. He endured so much that now, that those voices are no longer heard, he lets himself relax and not deprive himself of receiving all the fury that is generated around him with open arms.

He also does so within the Ezeiza property, together with his fellow champions and those who have joined this call for Scaloni, who are already thinking about what’s to come. Leo enters the second training session of the week last on Tuesday, the penultimate before the friendly against Panama, which will be nothing more and nothing less than his first appearance for the national team as world champion.

He comes walking, relaxed, just chatting with the masseur and confidante Dady and the physical trainer Luis Martín. On the grass they are already waiting for him Rodrigo De Paul, angel of mary, John LoCelso, Nicola Otamendi and the rest of the members of La Scaloneta. Outside the AFA headquarters, a group of fans with posters, T-shirts and photos are waiting to be able to see him, even if he has passed. Overconfidence does not give up.

Meanwhile, Messi obeys the teacher’s orders. He runs, dodges cones, touches the ball. Suddenly the classic “crazy” is assembled, but this time it is 34 players, gigantic. Everyone is waiting for the captain to start the game. Lionel puts it under the sole of his left foot, kneads it a bit and makes the first pass. Applause, laughter, applause. This is nothing new for him and for this Scaloni Selection. This has already been experienced since before the 2021 Copa América. This has been experienced in Qatar and continues to be experienced in this meeting.

The novelty is the background image that offers concentration at the entrance to the stadium and which from time to time the players look sideways with satisfaction: the huge photo of Messi in a black cape lifting the World Cup with all his teammates environment. It is the eternal postcard of the eternal glory they have achieved in the Middle East.

This is how Lionel Messi spends his days upon his return to his homeland. Far from the spicy atmospheres of the Parque de los Príncipes and the depressed PSG locker room; immersed in the good vibrations of the national team, which he continues to celebrate and warns that he will go more, and delivered to the excessive love of the Argentines, the most beautiful prize.