Lionel Messi embraces former teammate Maxi López, who breaks down in tears

In a heartwarming moment before Argentina's World Cup match against Jordan, Lionel Messi shared an embrace with former FC Barcelona teammate Maxi López. The unexpected reunion brought López to tears as he reflected on their shared past and Messi's enduring character.

As López, now part of Telefe's broadcast team, stood with Sofi Martínez for a pre-game segment, Messi noticed him and walked over to offer a heartfelt hug. Minutes later, when asked about the encounter, López expressed his deep emotion. "I gave him the hug of all Argentines. Tight, heartfelt, but beautiful obviously, because my children love him. And to have had the opportunity to be here, to see him, to see Rodri (De Paul). It moves me," he said, visibly trying to hold back tears.

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I gave him the hug of all Argentines. Tight, heartfelt, but beautiful obviously, for what my children love him. And to have had the opportunity to be here, to see him, to see Rodri (De Paul). It moves me.

López's emotional reaction was also tied to his sons, Valentino, Benedicto, and Constantino. He described Messi as "simple, approachable," recalling numerous conversations they had. "I would have liked to have many more. I got to share, to win. Being here for me is a gift," López added.

Prior to this touching moment with Messi, López had a casual interaction with Rodrigo De Paul. As De Paul was heading to the locker room after sharing candy with Leandro Paredes, López asked for some, and De Paul obliged, giving him two pieces. The article humorously questions if this exchange might be the start of a new good luck charm.

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He is simple, approachable, we have had a lot of conversations, a lot of things, I would have liked to have a lot more. I got to share, to win. Being here for me is a gift.