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Monterrey coach jokes about facing Messi: 'I wish he's not in the mood to play'
🇬🇷 Greece /Sports

Monterrey coach jokes about facing Messi: 'I wish he's not in the mood to play'

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Monterrey coach Matías Almeyda expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi ahead of their League Cup match against Inter Miami.
  • Almeyda jokingly wished that Messi would not be in the mood to play, marveling at the player's continued excellence despite his age.
  • The coach praised Messi's passion for football, noting his quick return to play after a break and his consistent desire to compete.

As Monterrey prepares to face Inter Miami in the League Cup, coach Matías Almeyda has shared his thoughts on his compatriot, Lionel Messi, expressing a mix of respect and playful apprehension. Almeyda acknowledged Messi's remarkable form, particularly after his standout performance in Inter Miami's recent victory, where the star scored two goals.

Almeyda, known for his own passionate coaching style, couldn't help but inject some humor when discussing the prospect of facing the legendary Argentine. "Messi is a machine and truly continues to surprise, despite his age. So much talent, so much desire to play... I even told my colleague: 'Didn't he want to stay on vacation a little longer? Go, I don't know, on a boat, spend time with his family.'" he remarked.

Messi is a machine and truly continues to surprise, despite his age. So much talent, so much desire to play… I even told my colleague: 'Didn't he want to stay on vacation a little longer? Go, I don't know, on a boat, spend time with his family.' And yet he returned so quickly, but obviously he loves football. I wish Messi is not in the mood to play with us.

— Matías AlmeydaThe Monterrey coach expresses his admiration and playful apprehension about facing Lionel Messi.

However, the coach quickly pivoted to a more serious tone, emphasizing Messi's deep love for the game. "And yet he returned so quickly, but obviously he loves football," Almeyda said. "I wish Messi is not in the mood to play with us," he added with a smile, highlighting the challenge his team faces.

Almeyda went on to praise Messi's enduring passion, stating, "I am happy and grateful that players with such passion continue to exist, because he truly has everything and wants to play football. He doesn't want vacations, he wants to play." This sentiment underscores the unique drive of the 38-year-old superstar, who continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his skill and dedication.

I am happy and grateful that players with such passion continue to exist, because he truly has everything and wants to play football. He doesn't want vacations, he wants to play.

— Matías AlmeydaAlmeyda praises Messi's enduring passion for the sport.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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