NEWELL’S OLD BOYS fans finally have the chance to cheer on Messi with the Argentine ace handed the iconic No10 shirt.
Though it won’t be for boyhood supporter Lionel, but instead for teenage forward Joaquin.
𝗔 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹’𝘀.
And like the most famous Messi to play at Newell’s, he also wears the number 10 shirt.
Meet Joaquín Messi of the Newell’s U20s. His dream is to play alongside his namesake Lionel at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.#Newells pic.twitter.com/O2BqkzWLX5
— Newell’s Old Boys – English (@Newells_en) February 7, 2022
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Newell’s Old Boys have given Under-20 star Joaquin Messi the No10 shirtCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
The 19-year-old has been given the famous number for the Under-20 side at the Copa Libertadores 2022 in Ecuador.
Newell’s shared a snap of the the youngster in their kit, where they posted, ‘The Legacy Continues?’ on Twitter.
Fans instantly commented on his surname, where one user posted: « Just change the name, that name brings pressure. »
Another messaged: « No pressure mate. »
A third added: « Welcome to Barcelona. »
Joaquin has spoken of his desire to play alongside his hero in the future in the hope Lionel links up with his childhood team.
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He told Newell’s: « My name is Joaquin Messi. I play for Newell’s and I have to play with the No10 shirt. I live in a town near Rosario [where Leo was born] called Coronel Arnold.
« Many people have asked me if there is any relationship [between him and Leo Messi], things like this.
« It’s a simple coincidence, because, for example, in my town where I live, there are three families with the surname Messi.
« Playing with Messi? It would be the most beautiful thing that could happen to me in life. It would be an amazing thing. I would take any other number if he were on my team. »
Lionel has made no secret of his desire to play for Newell’s before he retires.
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Lionel Messi has made no secret of his desire to play for Newell’s before he retiresCredit: Getty
Speaking in 2018, he said: « In Argentina I would like to play six months or some games in Newell’s.
« When I was little I had a dream to play in the Colossus. I was left with the thorn of playing on Newell’s court. »
And Newell’s president Eduardo Bermudez revealed in 2020 how Lionel is welcome at the club at any stage in his career.
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