Messi regrets that 70% of the "Monumental" stadium is empty

Argentine star Lionel Messi expressed his happiness with the fans' return to the stadiums on the eve of his team's confrontation with Bolivia in the South American qualifiers for the World Cup Qatar 2022, which will allow his country to celebrate with his fans by winning the Copa America, which he crowned last July.

"It's totally crazy. Unfortunately, the stadium will not be completely filled due to the pandemic," Messi told ESPN, noting that the authorities allowed the attendance of 30% of the capacity of the "Monumental" stadium in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, i.e. 21,000. Spectator. It is the first time that the stands have seen a crowd in Argentina since the restrictions imposed in March 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic began to spread around the world.

"It will be an exhibition moment for us, and I look forward to participating in it," added Messi, who won the Ballon d'Or for the best player six times.

The 34-year-old Messi won his first title with the Argentine national team when he led them to a 1-0 victory over Brazil at the Maracana in the Copa America final on July 10. It was also the first title for the Argentine national team since 1993 in the continental competition, but the players and supporters of the team were disappointed that they were not able to celebrate this coronation.

And Messi continued, the new Paris Saint-Germain player, "All these things are behind us now, life continues, but with peace of mind that I have achieved the dream that has long evaded me several times," referring to losing four final matches with his country in major tournaments (3 times in Copa America). 2007, 2015, 2016 and the 2014 World Cup Final).

In a question about his feelings after crowning the continental title, "I could not believe what happened. I dreamed of winning this title strongly and therefore did not understand what was happening to me. It was like a dream, it was a wonderful moment and now more than ever when I see the pictures because in those moments I was lost paralyzed."

The Argentine team seeks, through the Bolivia match, to enhance its hopes of participating in the World Cup in Qatar, knowing that it occupies second place in the unified group with 15 points, 6 points behind the leaders Brazil.

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