TThe recent meeting between Lionel Messi and President Donald Trump at the White House went beyond sports and became a high-level political discussion.
Former Argentine President Alberto Fernández broke his silence at the event and brought to the table a comparison that always sparks in the South American country: the difference between “Flea” and Diego Armando Maradona.
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Former Argentine president questions Messi’s meeting with President Trump
The visit of the Inter Miami delegation, the reigning MLS champions, fulfilled the American tradition of welcoming the league’s monarch to the presidential palace. However, the sight of Messi shaking hands with President Trump and receiving praise from him caused media noise, which Fernandes analyzed from a sociological perspective.
In a conversation with Cancha Embarada, the former president suggested that there was undue pressure on Argentina’s captain to adopt a combative political stance.
“I have the impression that not everyone has the same level of politicization as some of us, and suddenly we ask a generation of footballers, where the depoliticization is very evident, to have an attitude like Maradona,” Fernandes claimed.
Alberto Fernandes compares Messi and Maradona
For Fernandes, who defines himself as a “die-hard Maradona fan,” the key lies in the life trajectories of both stars. While Diego was always seen as a symbol of popular resistance, the former Argentina national team coach recalled that Messi’s path from childhood was different.
(Maradona) He had a dedication to his people that probably didn’t exist in someone who moved to Spain at the age of 12. so what? Are you going to criticize him for that? No, they are different realities
Fernandes’ comments will only add to the controversy surrounding the event, which Messi had to attend. There may still be doubts about this visit, but it is true that opinions vary and Messi will remain focused on football.
