The Unlikely Inspiration Behind Lionel Messi’s Footballing Dreams
When it comes to the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi is often at the top of the list. With his unparalleled skill on the pitch and numerous accolades, it’s no surprise that he’s a hero to many. But what about his own inspirations? Who did Messi look up to growing up? It’s not who you might expect.
For a long time, Messi idolized none other than Pablo Aimar, a diminutive Argentine magician who played for River Plate, Valencia, and Benfica. Aimar’s special abilities captivated Messi, who went on to play with him in the Argentina national team on 13 occasions, including at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Speaking to Adidas Football, Messi said: "Apart from Maradona, who always comes first for Argentines, Pablo Aimar was the player I admired the most. I loved him very much." When Aimar retired from football in 2015, Messi took to his official Facebook page to hail his compatriot as a "great player" and "one of my idols," thanking him "for all the enjoyment you gave us with your magic."
The two have a special bond, with Aimar even serving as an assistant coach to Lionel Scaloni in the Argentina national team. When Messi scored a clutch goal against Mexico on the way to an eventually triumphant World Cup campaign in 2022, Aimar nearly burst into tears on the bench such was the emotions that came over him.
The Reverse Role
In recent times, the roles have been reversed, with Aimar considering Messi his favorite ever player. Speaking to FIFA in 2020, Aimar said: "For me, the best is always Messi. He is my all-time favorite." It’s clear that the admiration is mutual, and their bond extends beyond mere admiration.
What’s Next?
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