Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team have seen changes to their squad just days away from their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada is now part of Argentina’s squad for the tournament. The Paris Saint-Germain striker has discussed what his new team-mate brings to the team with aspirations to win 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 Sport).
Additionally, Almada’s father opened up about what Messi said about his son as the veteran striker played in a leading role to welcome the young midfielder, who could see the time if injuries were to come. were accumulating or if the players weren’t playing the form that manager Lionel Scaloni demands of them.
“We couldn’t believe it,” Almada’s father said on ESPN Argentine. “Messi speaking like that about my son was a very good feeling.
“Yes, I am very grateful to Leo for his word to my son and the whole family, grateful to him and to the whole group that we are already with. They received very well. »
Many in the squad will be playing for Messi to end his international career by winning the World Cup as this tournament marks the last for the PSG star. Now, the Atlanta United midfielder will play a part in helping Messi win that trophy.