The Argentina national team concluded its second training session at Ezeiza in preparation for upcoming matches against Uruguay and Brazil in the South American World Cup qualifiers.
The training session, which was open to the press, drew considerable attention to the team’s star player, Lionel Messi. The footballing icon showcased impeccable physical condition, displaying no signs of the recent injury that had affected both his national team and Inter Miami performances.
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Remarkably, Messi’s resilience prevailed, leading him to secure his eighth Ballon d’Or, a feat that few thought possible after the difficulty of his seasons with Paris Saint-Germain.
During the practice, Messi exhibited exceptional confidence, scoring a remarkable goal in a small-sided football game. His performance garnered widespread acclaim, particularly a photo capturing him leaping Michael Jordan-style, executing a powerful header while his teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, observed from the sidelines. The image circulated on social media, sparking a frenzy of reactions.
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Twitter users couldn’t help but marvel at Messi’s airborne prowess, coining phrases like “Messi Airlines” and speculating that, had he focused on heading, he could have been even better.
Amid the social media chatter, attention also turned to De Paul’s reaction in the photo, drawing comparisons to “Diosito,” a character from the popular series El Marginal.
Users jokingly remarked on De Paul’s seemingly admiring smile, suggesting he served as Messi’s bodyguard, always present and vigilant, both on and off the field.
“De Paul making sure the mosquitoes don’t come close to bother the GOAT,” were the thoughts of one Twitter user.
Overall, the photo has gone viral and become somewhat of a symbol of Messi’s enduring excellence and the camaraderie within the Argentine national team at present as they look to build towards defending their World Cup trophy in 2026.