Lionel Messi took part in Argentine legend Juan Roman Riquelme’s testimonial match at the iconic La Bombonera stadium yesterday. Messi was among one of the many Argentine stars-both past and present- who bid farewell to Riquelme’s unique career. The 60,000-odd fans were treated to a fantastic game of soccer between the Boca Juniors XI and the Argentina XI.
After playing in Maxi Rodriguez’s testimonial match in Rosario, Lionel Messi flew to Buenos Aires for Riquelme’s farewell. Several Argentine icons such as Javier Saviola, Pablo Aimar, and Esteban Cambiasso took part in yesterday’s match. While Messi captained the Argentina XI, Riquelme was the skipper of the Boca XI. The 45-year-old was also cheered by the crowd almost every time he touched the ball.
Messi got emotional when La Bombonera started singing “Dale Campeon” to him ❤️🏆pic.twitter.com/uywjIJ4SAo
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 25, 2023
While it was an emotional night for Riquelme, Lionel Messi was also reduced to tears yesterday. Following the end of the match, there was a moment when Lionel Messi was serenaded by the chants of “Dale Campeon,” or “Let’s go Champion.” The chant is a reference to Messi and Argentina winning the World Cup 2022. Moreover, the Argentine skipper was also greeted by this chant when he won the Copa America in 2021.
Huge ovation for Messi from Boca fans at La Bombonera as he exits the match. ❤️👑
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 25, 2023
Although more than 6 months have passed since Argentina lifted the World Cup title, Lionel Messi still hasn’t gotten over it. The former FC Barcelona star was brought to tears as the entire stadium erupted with chants of “Dale Campeon.” He was also given a standing ovation as he was substituted for Javier Saviola in the second half.
Juan Roman Riquelme hails Lionel Messi as the GOAT
While he may not be as popular as Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona in the soccer world, Juan Roman Riquelme has reserved a special place for himself in the hearts of the Argentine people. Riquelme has played for a few of the biggest clubs in the world like FC Barcelona, Boca Juniors, and Villareal. He also captained the Argentina side that won the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Speaking yesterday after the match, Juan Roman Riquelme thanked everyone for attending his testimonial match. He especially thanked Lionel Messi and apologized to him for making him miss his vacations. As per reports, Riquelme said, “Messi and Maradona are the two greatest players I’ve seen in my whole life. It’s wonderful to have him here. I apologize to your family Leo that you had vacations and stayed a couple more days.”
La Bombonera sang “Happy Birthday” to Messi and Riquelme 🎉 pic.twitter.com/Hq0XhxISF4
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 25, 2023
He added, “I’m very grateful that you always said yes to me, and for all the bosteros I am lucky to have you here, it is unforgettable, I hope you had a great time. I love you very much.” Following the match, the crowd also wished and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Lionel Messi and Juan Roman Riquelme. Incidentally, the two Argentine stars share the same birthday, which is June 24.