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News, Blog and GuidesThe MLS star spoke to Olé about his situation with the Albiceleste as well as the arrival of Messi to MLS.
Eduardo Burgos Rodríguezedu17burgosUpdate: Jan 12th, 2024 09:03 EST
JUAN MABROMATAAFP
Thiago Almada has emerged as one of the great stars of the MLS through merit. At just 22-years-old, the Argentine is considered one of the standout talents in South American football, with many voices clamoring to see him finally make a move to Europe.
However, amid all the rumours surrounding his future, the attacker remains focused on a key challenge – qualifying Argentina for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the Pre-Olympics tournament. In an interview with Olé, the Atlanta United player reflected on his present with the Argentine national team, the dream of winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and the arrival of Messi to the MLS.
🚨⚪️🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Thiago Almada is one of the top names on Atlético Madrid list in case Ángel Correa will leave the club.Al Ittihad will approach Atléti for Correa and Thiago Almada has always been appreciated by Atléti.His name is very high on club’s list. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/lnfQHgSdAd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 11, 2024
Almada had the opportunity to face his idol in the group stage of the Leagues Cup, experiencing firsthand – from the other side of the pitch – what Messi can do with a ball at his feet. At the end of the match, a very special moment unfolded – an exchange of shirts between the promising young player and the legendary Messi, symbolising a metaphorical connection between the past and the future of Argentina.
“I had never asked Messi for a shirt. I was waiting to face him to ask because here in the National Team, I didn’t want to bother him with that,” commented Almada. Furthermore, Messi took on the role of being his teammate’s ‘taxi driver’ during a trip to Argentina, saying, “It was only once; [Facu] Farías was there too. I traveled to Miami, and the three of us came there on his plane.”
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The Atlanta United forward has helped Argentina to the summer tournament in France and is hoping that Messi will join La Albiceleste’s squad.
“I met him when I was in the under-20 and I had to be a stand-in for the senior team. Imagine it, for us who were kids, it was crazy to have him there. We watched him train. He is a phenomenon, a legend. But for me, apart from being the best in the world, he is a normal person, because he is like that, you can talk to him,” Almada said about his idol when asked. Messi came to the MLS to revolutionise the sport in the United States, unleashing ‘Messimanía’ for different clubs, fans, and even rivals.
