Thiago Almada reveals to Olé: “Phenomenon” Messi is “a normal person”

Thiago Almada has emerged as one of the great stars of the MLS through merit. At just 22-years-old, the Argentine is considered one of the standout talents in South American football, with many voices clamoring to see him finally make a move to Europe.

However, amid all the rumours surrounding his future, the attacker remains focused on a key challenge – qualifying Argentina for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the Pre-Olympics tournament. In an interview with Olé, the Atlanta United player reflected on his present with the Argentine national team, the dream of winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and the arrival of Messi to the MLS.

Almada had the opportunity to face his idol in the group stage of the Leagues Cup, experiencing firsthand - from the other side of the pitch - what Messi can do with a ball at his feet. At the end of the match, a very special moment unfolded – an exchange of shirts between the promising young player and the legendary Messi, symbolising a metaphorical connection between the past and the future of Argentina.

“I had never asked Messi for a shirt. I was waiting to face him to ask because here in the National Team, I didn’t want to bother him with that,” commented Almada. Furthermore, Messi took on the role of being his teammate’s ‘taxi driver’ during a trip to Argentina, saying, “It was only once; [Facu] Farías was there too. I traveled to Miami, and the three of us came there on his plane.”

“I met him when I was in the under-20 and I had to be a stand-in for the senior team. Imagine it, for us who were kids, it was crazy to have him there. We watched him train. He is a phenomenon, a legend. But for me, apart from being the best in the world, he is a normal person, because he is like that, you can talk to him,” Almada said about his idol when asked. Messi came to the MLS to revolutionise the sport in the United States, unleashing ‘Messimanía’ for different clubs, fans, and even rivals.

A young world champion

Thiago Almada was part of the team that achieved Argentina’s third star a little over twelve months ago. Although he accepts to “still being the same person”, the reality is very different. The Albiceleste squad was felt a special aura during the World Cup with a key factor: the solid group of players. “We shared a lot with the boys, there was very good energy and we had very good times. We had a great time,” said the Atlanta United midfielder.

Of course, Almada would keep a couple of ‘souvenirs’ from the final against France. “I kept the shirts I used, I have one from each game, and the medal. And my dad grabbed grass and a piece of net from the final because I went to the locker room to celebrate. I also have the boots, but they’re the ones I used from the match against Mexico onwards, because I didn’t put the Saudi Arabia ones back on after that match.”