The highly-regarded midfielder Almada, who competes domestically against Messi in MLS with Atlanta United and Inter Miami, respectively, has been proudly wearing a prestigious jersey for the Albiceleste as they secured a place in an international event in Paris.
Almada is willing to relinquish that honour if Messi decides to join him in France later this year. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, could be chosen by Argentina as an overage player for the U23 squad. An invitation has been extended to him, and head coach Javier Mascherano is awaiting a response from his former teammate.
Despite generating numerous transfer rumours, Almada remains in MLS for now. When asked if he would give up the No.10 shirt to have Messi on board, Almada told TyC Sports, “Obviously I would give Messi 10. How could I not?”
When questioned about discussions regarding Messi’s potential participation in a gold medal bid within Mascherano’s team, Almada stated, “It was not discussed. Masche did not tell us. He said nothing. Surely, when the time comes, it will depend on him.”
Almada openly expresses his desire for Messi to join him in Paris, and he’s not alone in holding onto that hope. Valentin Barco, now a Premier League player with Brighton, shared, “If Messi is there, it’s a dream. I hope I can play with him.”
Argentina faces a challenge in securing Messi’s commitment to an Olympic endeavor because Copa America is also scheduled for this year. As defending champions, Argentina counts on Messi to lead them in defending their continental title. Inter Miami may be hesitant to release their influential captain for consecutive international tournaments.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini
ArgentinaThis season he played in total 6 times for 372 minutes for Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi scored 1 goal for Inter Miami. He procured two assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 14th in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami drew 0-0 against Vissel Kobe.
Inter Miami performance and stats
Inter Miami
It will be Inter Miami ended the league in the 14th position with 34 points.
In the last 34 games, it has won 9 times, drawn 7 times, and lost 18 times. In its last match, Inter Miami lost 1-0 against Charlotte.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 41 goals and conceding 54.
Thiago Almada
Thiago Ezequiel Almada
This season he played in total 33 times for 2910 minutes for Major League Soccer.
Thiago Almada scored 10 goals for Atlanta United. He procured 16 assists. He received 5 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 6th in Major League Soccer. In the last match Atlanta United drew 0-0 against Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Atlanta United performance and stats
Atlanta United
It will be Atlanta United ended the league in the 6th position with 51 points.
In the last 37 games, it has won 14 times, drawn 12 times, and lost 11 times. In its last match, Atlanta United lost 4-2 against Columbus Crew.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 66 goals and conceding 53.
