Luis Diaz has acknowledged how awestruck he was when he first met Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
In an interview with a publication in his native Colombia, Liverpool’s star forward expressed his respect for Messi. He also had a fascinating tale to share about the first time he met the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner while serving his country.
WHAT HE SAID: “I almost died, I almost said ‘I love you’ and everything, haha!” Diaz told SoHo Magazine on his first encounter with Messi: “Truly, he has always been my reference. My great idol was Ronaldinho, but since he is retired I was never able to play against him. The day I meet him, I am really going to die!
“I love Messi. The first time I had contact with him was in a Colombian game in Barranquilla, but I didn’t start; I was just starting out in the national team. And then I came across him in the Copa America two years ago and it was a great emotion.”
Diaz further explained how he already has one of Messi’s shirts: “I haven’t exchanged shirts with him. But I already have his, I asked him through another player, he signed it for me and everything, he put it ‘with affection for Luis’. My life is already sorted with that shirt!” It’s clear to see just how much he idolises the Paris Saint-Germain forward.
Jamal Musiala’s revelations continue to shield Chelsea, even when a youthful talent is compared to Lionel Messi
There is still the impression that Chelsea didn’t fully appreciate Jamal Musiala’s potential. That the youngster’s enormous talent was somehow misunderstood by Neil Bath, Jim Fraser, and a number of other highly qualified and reputable coaches in the club’s academy, allowing him to join Bayern Munich. Naturally, the 𝔱ruth is considerably different.
Musiala moved to Cobham from the south coast in his early years with his good friend Levi Colwill before joining Chelsea in 2011. Together with others like Tino Livramento, Lewis Bate, Dion Rankine, and Xavier Simons, the two advanced through the ranks of the academy. It was anticipated that everyone will accept scholarships in the summer of 2019.
Musiala’s physical appearance caused a little bit of worry, but never his talent. Chelsea was reportedly prepared to provide the teenage midfielder a scholarship with a professional contract that took effect on his 17th birthday. It was a proposal that was never accepted.
Instead, Musiala chose to sign with Bayern Munich and go back to his native Germany, where he was born and raised until he was seven years old. His growth over the past three years has been equally fascinating and quick. As a regular for Germany and a crucial member of Bayern Munich, the 19-year-selection old’s for the German World Cup squad came as no suгргιse.
“When he is on the field, this is like Lionel Messi three years ago,” Germany’s record-appearance maker Lothar Matthaus said in an interview with the Daily Mail back in September. “He has everything: fast, good dribbling, the last pass, he can score. He gets the ball and always goes forward. He is becoming a complete player. In the future, he will be one of the very best players in the world.”
Musiala was questioned about whether or not his style is similar to Messi’s before Germany’s World Cup opener against Japan. The teen was eager to distance himself from the suggestion, which was both sensible and natural.
“Being compared to Messi is always a great honour,” Musiala said after a disbelieving chuckle. “Messi has been playing at the top level his whole life. It’s difficult for any player to compare themselves to Messi. I just want to focus on myself and what I can do better as Jamal – and I’ll just keep on going.”
The fаct that Musiala is a ball maestro is what gave rise to the Messi comparison. He boasts a unique combination of poise, technique, and balance that allows him to maneuver through the tiniest of places on the field or slalom past challenges in a packed penalty area, as was seen against Japan.
Despite the ᴜnexpected 2-1 loss for Hansi Flick’s team, Musiala unquestionably led his nation in performance. He was always willing to take control of the ball, advance, and take chances in the final third. His one weakness was a ƙiller instinct in the penalty area, as he twice blazed wide from promising positions after dodging multiple defenders.
Spain is the opponent for Germany’s upcoming World Cup match. They must win it in order to advance to the tournament’s knockout round. Musiala will be under pressure to perform, but past performance indicates he is up to the task.