Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team saw changes to their squad a couple of days away from their first game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Saudia Arabia on Tuesday.
Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada is now part of the Argentine squad for the tournament. The Paris Saint-Germain forward discussed what his new teammate brings to the team with aspirations of winning the World Cup.
“He is very, very fresh, a very, very fast player who has a lot against you, who is very mischievous, who is not afraid of anything,” Messi said (h/t TyC Sports).
Furthermore, Almada’s father spoke about what Messi said about his son as the veteran forward played the role of leader to welcome the young midfielder, who could see time should injuries pile up or players not play up to the form manager Lionel Scaloni requires of them.
“We couldn’t believe it,” Almada’s father said on ESPN Argentina. “That Messi talks like that about my son was a very good feeling.
“Yes, I am very grateful to Leo for his word towards my son and the whole family, grateful to him and to the entire group that we are already with. They have received very well.”
Many on the team will play to ensure that Messi ends his international career by winning the World Cup since this tournament marks the last for the PSG star. Now the Atlanta United midfielder will be play a role in helping Messi secure that trophy.
