Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho grew up watching soon-to-be former Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi. Nonetheless, the 18-year-old is in a surreal moment with the Argentina national team.
The reigning FIFA World Cup champions are in Asia for two friendlies against Australia on Thursday at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing, China. Afterward, they’ll face Indonesia on June 19 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.
Garnacho spoke with TyC Sports (h/t Manchester Evening News) to discuss what it means to him to be playing alongside a player he grew up idolizing.
“I didn’t talk much with Messi,” Garnacho said. “I didn’t talk much with Messi. I spoke with Lionel Scaloni here. He asked me if I was nervous and I told him I wasn’t. When I play I try to be me. I’m a young guy, but I don’t care about age; I try to play the way I know how.”
Messi’s football career is nearing its end. The 35-year-old has left Europe and intends to sign with Inter Miami once his contract with PSG expires on June 30. As a result, it seems that the Copa América might be the last international competition for Messi.
The Argentina national team likely hopes players like Garnacho can soak in as much knowledge from Messi and take the baton for the next generation of players.
