Lionel Messi reveals the one player whose shirt he asked for

К сожалению, единственный доступный язык для этой страницы – английский.

ноября 15, 2019 подготовил(-а) Ali M.

Темы: Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, Barcelona, Argentina, Brazil, International Friendly

Greatness recognized greatness.

Lionel Messi is not a man to ask players for their jerseys. The Argentine icon made this admission ahead of his nation’s intriguing friendly against Brazil.

The 32-year-old superstar is gearing up for a highly-anticipated showdown with their South American rivals. Next year brings another opportunity for La Albiceleste to end their wait for silverware and this encounter will be a great test for Lionel Scaloni’s side.

Speaking ahead of the clash with the Selecao, the five-time Ballon d’Or stated that he almost never asks to swap shirts, trading jerseys when he shares the pitch with a fellow Argentine. However, there was one player he made an exception for.

That man is none other than Zinedine Zidane. In all fairness, Leo was only a promising youngster back when the Frenchman was still playing. Nonetheless, the fact that Zizou is the one player Messi can recall asking for his shirt is proof of the Real Madrid manager’s greatness.

“I don’t ask for shirts, I usually swap them, but I asked Zidane once,” Messi said to TyC Sports (as per the Mirror). “If there is an Argentine I swap it with him, but, unless someone asks me, I’m not asking anyone.”

— Messi: "I don't ask for shirts, I usually swap them, but I asked Zidane once." pic.twitter.com/6RO5yCHX6a
— Barca Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 14, 2019

The Frenchman is recognized by many as one of the greatest midfielders to cross the game. During his professional career, Zidane won two Serie A titles, one Liga crown, and the Champions League in 2002. He also led his nation to the 1998 FIFA World Cup prize before almost repeating this feat in 2006.

As for Messi, he has traded shirts with several players over the years and has amassed a great collection. Whether he will add someone to the list of players he asks for their jersey before hanging up his boots is unknown.