Former Grêmio and Vasco striker, the Argentine Maxi Lopez is one of the few who can boast of having seen up close the beginning of his career Lionel Messi.
Maxi, who defended the between 2005 and 2007followed the emergence of the star, who today.
Hired by the channel Telefe to cover the World Cup in the United States, the former center forward spoke to the CNN Brazil that .
In Portuguese, Maxi López spoke about expectations for Albiceleste’s performance in the tournament and, of course, about Messi, who could become this Monday (22), against Austria,.
“I’m happy to speak Portuguese, happy to speak to the Brazilian public. I left my heart there, I played for Grêmio, in Porto Alegre, and then in Rio de Janeiro… I have good memories,” the Argentine told CNN.
How are you seeing the beginning of the World Cup for the Argentina team?
You know the first game is very important. It’s a game you have to win. And Argentina beat a team that wasn’t easy. and everyone was happy. Everyone wants him to win [a Copa do Mundo] once again, because everyone loves him.
You had the opportunity to be with Messi at the beginning of his career. What was that experience like and what was Messi like when he started at Barcelona?
We played a lot of PlayStation, we had barbecues. I lived with two or three friends in Barcelona and he was very young, 16 years old or so. I was 20, and we were two of the youngest on the team. We were always together, sharing with the family, and Brazilians Ronaldinho [Gaúcho]Deco, Belletti, Thiago Motta, were always with us. We liked being with them. South Americans all together.
Messi will surpass the 16 goal mark. We hope it’s with the cup
Do you think Messi will become the greatest scorer in the history of World Cups?
I think he will achieve this. Obviously, he still has one or two more World Cups, and we’ll see what happens. But Messi will surpass that 16 goal mark. We hope it’s with the cup.
In good Portuguese, can you send a message to the fans of Grêmio and Vasco?
I had the chance to play for my team in Porto Alegre, I send a kiss to all the gauchos. And my heart is also with the people of Rio, with the people of Gigante da Colina. A big hug from Tractor Maxi.
