Buenos Aires (AFP)
"He arrives and revolutionizes Paris".
11,000 km from France, the signing in Paris SG of the captain of the Argentine selection Lionel Messi is followed with fervor in the streets and the media of the South American country.
"Messi and the day of the 10th", notes the sports daily Olé, in reference to the date of Messi's arrival in Paris and his jersey number in selection.
The correspondents of Argentinian televisions in Paris and Barcelona tirelessly occupy the screens, while in the streets of Buenos Aires everyone comments on the transfer of the six-fold Golden Ball.
"He arrived at the end of a cycle at Barcelona and it's good for him to have new horizons. He deserves all the best because he is the best player in the world," said 60-year-old healthcare worker José Iturria told AFP.
Dario Luque, a 38-year-old employee, also agrees that this club change "will give him a new lease of life, and besides being a very good player, he is surrounded by other stars. It is good for him. and the team ".
- "Arriba campeon" -
The Argentine ambassador to France, Leonardo Costantino, was delighted that Messi "(was going) to become the great Argentine ambassador in Paris".
Argentina fans follow from Buenos Aires the exploits of the band to Leo Messi in the final of the Copa America, July 10, 2021 ALEJANDRO PAGNI AFP / Archives
"It is a source of pride. An immense joy for all and a great shock. We are lucky to have the best player in the world in Paris," he declared on Argentinian television, assuring to have received " lots of calls "from people who wanted to meet him.
The Argentine Football Federation (AFA), moved by Messi's tears in a press conference when he said his farewell to Barca, dedicated a moving video to the captain of the selection under the title "Arriba campeon" (Go champion) .
For Elvio Paolorosso, former physical trainer for FC Barcelona and the Argentine national team under Tata Martino (2014-2016), "PSG is a team full of stars, one of the best at the moment. It is the team. ideal "for the rest of Messi's career who will find an Argentinian coach, Mauricio Pochettino" who will make things easier for him, "he said on the radio.
"Watching FC Barcelona without you will never be the same again," regretted Monday the ex-Argentina international Javier Mascherano, who shared with Messi eight years under the colors of Barcelona, before leaving the club blaugrana in 2018.
Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi greets the supporters who came to welcome him at Le Bourget airport, north of Paris, on August 10, 2021 Sameer Al-DOUMY AFP
According to Javier Mascherano, "a new stage begins and there is no doubt that you will leave your indelible mark wherever you go".
© 2021 AFP