Former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo has revealed how Lionel Messi earned the respect from senior players of the Argentina national team on his debut.
He said that the PSG superstar's tenacity at the 2006 FIFA World Cup earned him a lot of respect from his Albiceleste teammates.
Crespo and Messi were teammates for nine matches before the former AC Milan striker retired from international football in 2007.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Relevo, Crespo revealed that defenders are often very awkward with Messi due to his short stature and even go as far as to beat him.
"They kicked him and he got up, he gave it back to you," Crespo said, adding that Messi isn't afraid to stand up to those who try to take him down. The former Chelsea star recalls that during Argentina's 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign, "We had a game against (Fabricio) Coloccini, (Nicolas) Burdisso, (Lionel) Scaloni, (Leandro) Cufre, defenders. not out yet.
"Messi got them all working, but of course they're playing in the World Cup. They said: 'This 18-year-old is fine', but they beat him.
“The more they hit him, the more he gets up and faces you. Up to a point, we all see, not by silence but by the recklessness in football to give it back, he has won the respect of all," he added. . He said that since then they stopped hitting strikers and started sharing drinks with [older] defenders.
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Why Brighton fans hailed around £35m at Liverpool on Saturday
Any Liverpool fan watching Brighton's clash with Chelsea on Saturday may have been perplexed to hear Cody Gakpo's name ring through Stamford Bridge.
The £35m Liverpool player was the subject of cheers from Brighton fans as the Seagulls scored a 2-1 win in west London, but why? We will consider…
What is the story?
Well, Brighton wouldn't sign Gakpo if that's what you think.
Stamford Bridge screening officials oddly managed to call the Dutch international instead of Danny Welbeck when the England international came on in place of the injured Evan Ferguson in the 39th minute. Chelsea's stadium screens at Stamford Bridge have just mistakenly identified Brighton substitute Danny Welbeck as 'Gakpo'. Brighton fans are now chanting 'Cody Gakpo, he's one of us'
– Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) April 15, 2023
In response, the Brighton fans began chanting "Cody Gakpo, he's one of us" as Welbeck ran onto the pitch.
So for any Liverpool fan who was baffled to hear their No 18 name being chanted at Stamford Bridge, the situation has now been explained.
Outstanding Cody Gakpo
Gakpo's name has been chanted in west London just days after Jamie Carragher thrust him into the spotlight with an update on Jude Bellingham.
The Sky Sports pundit wrote in the Telegraph that Liverpool's signing of the 23-year-old in January was a 'confusing' decision when the midfield was in dire need of reinforcement, not the attack. Carragher added that Gakpo's arrival was the first time he questioned Liverpool's transfer policy.
Cody gakpo
James Gill's photo – Danehouse/Getty's photo
The 45 year old man wrote:
"Cody Gakpo signed for £40m in January, although the team is calling for more energy in midfield. Gakpo has had a promising start. I like him, but now even Even more confused when another striker has been prioritized, most supporters would happily accept Gakpo's spending withheld to turn Bellingham's £90m offer into a deal. worth 130 million pounds. "This is the first time that I have publicly questioned Liverpool's transfer policy under Klopp."
The Dutchman has shown his talent with four goals in 12 Premier League appearances since joining from PSV Eindhoven, although supporters will certainly want to see £35m spent on a new midfielder, as Carragher said.
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