Zanetti on Messi’s farewell match: Leo, like Maradona, has united a people!

The well-known Argentine, Inter’s vice-president, talks about the “flea’s” farewell to the national team: “I remember him shy and phenomenal; he will receive everyone’s love.”

These are emotional days for every Argentine, and all the more for someone who played 37 matches alongside Leo Messi in the Argentina shirt. Javier Zanetti has accompanied his little brother from a distance throughout his timeless journey.

The Argentina–Benin friendly played on 7 October at the “Monumental” is Messi’s farewell and tribute match from the Argentines.

How does Zanetti remember Messi? “He spoke little, he was very young, but phenomenal. I remember an episode in Rosario, where together with Maxi Rodriguez we organised a charity match at Newell’s Old Boys’ stadium. There were 40,000 people, all for him. He has always been ready, sensitive to events of this kind. And that means a lot for him.

From the very first training session we understood that he was different. It was clear he would make our national team great. After Diego, another genius was born, and again in our country. Unbelievable.

I have always had a good relationship with him, mutual respect. I hope that at this event he experiences all the emotions he deserves and receives all the love of the Argentine people.

He has given everything, so he must be respected. Messi has managed to unite an entire people, like Maradona. Do not compare them. Both are the essence of football and, thank God, both were born in Argentina. I want to thank Messi for all the emotions he has given us, for the way he has represented us all over the world,” Zanetti said.