Fans yell, “Someone check his passport, he’s not Argentinian,” as they watch as Lionel Messi is FLOORED by a member of his own squad
During Argentina’s match versus Ecuador last night, LIONEL MESSI was knocked to the ground by his OWN TEAM-MATE.
The shoulder of teammate Lautaro Martinez was met with by the Argentine captain as he made a dash toward the penalty area.
Lionel Messi collided with Lautaro Martinez after making a run into the boxCredit: TyC Sports
Messi was not badly hurt however, and went on to score the winner with a brilliant free-kickCredit: TyC Sports
Despite his fine form for Inter Milan, Martinez has struggled to replicate his club performances in an Argentina shirt.
One fan said: “Sums up his match.” Alongside a crying emoji.
Another wrote: “Lautraro in an Argentina shirt in recent years.” Which was accompanied by a picture of a stressed out looking Gonzalo Higuain.
A third wrote: “Someone check Martinez’s passport, he is not Argentinian.”
While a fourth added: “Thank God de Paul was not around Messi, that would have been the last time we see Lautaro Martinez on football pitch.” – Which referenced Rodrigo de Paul’s reputation for being Messi’s on-field bodyguard.
A spectacular free kick from Messi in the 78th minute helped Argentina win the close contest 1-0.
Messi’s recent propensity for scoring crucial free kicks for his new team Inter Miami has made them even more of a trademark.
After a trying period at PSG, Messi has 11 goals and five assists in just 11 games since joining Miami. He also appears to be enjoying his sport once more.
Following his World Cup victory in Qatar, there had been rumors that Messi would leave the national team, but as of right now, it appears that he will play on at least through the 2004 Copa America.
Argentina moved one step closer to qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in North America thanks to his goal against Ecuador, and there is growing optimism that Messi will play in this tournament as well.
In a pregame interview, Claudio Tapa, the president of the Argentine FA, expressed Argentina’s aspirations for Messi to represent his country at the 2006 World Cup.
He said: “He always goes for more. He never leaves you. He always surprises you, he goes for more. You can imagine it. How can I not imagine it? I would like him to be there. With the conditions he has, he could easily play in the 06 World Cup.
“Modric does it for his team, [Andres] Iniesta did it for Barcelona. It depends on him, on what he feels. I see him playing in the World Cup, playing in the position he wants. He can really do it. It will depend on what he wants. I dream about that.”
