Sergio Aguero sends message to Lionel Messi ahead of World Cup quarter-final
Former Argentina striker Sergio Aguero hosted Lionel Messi on a Twitch stream on Wednesday, wishing his friend and the national team luck for their World Cup quarter-final against Netherlands.
Messi and Aguero had similar experiences leaving home in South America for Europe at a young age and used to share a room on international duty for many years.
At 34, Aguero might well have been at this World Cup with La Albiceleste, which would have been his fourth, but for a heart condition that forced him into premature retirement last year.
The ex-Manchester City forward has gained a considerable following on Twitch and broadcasted a video call with Messi, which the latter filmed in his room in the team hotel in Qatar.
“Your victories are also for me, I suffer a lot, but I really enjoy watching you play and that you are so united. I feel like I'm with you, it makes me very happy that everything’s fine,” Aguero said.
“Good luck on Friday boys, whatever happens, you are phenomenons, love you.”
Messi said during the call that Aguero’s absence was being felt, as was that of Giovani Lo Celso, who won the 2021 Copa America with Argentina but was ruled out of going to Qatar due to injury.
“We miss you and Gio, you two are always present,” Messi offered.
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At the age of 35, Messi has already confirmed he expects this to be his last World Cup, with the trophy the last piece of silverware he is yet to win during an historic career.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner inspired Argentina to victory over Australia in the first knockout round last weekend, marking his 1,000th senior career appearance with his 789th goal.
Friday’s game against the Dutch is a repeat of the 1978 final, as well as other famous World Cup knockout games in 1998 and 2014.