Former Argentina striker Sergio Aguero hosted Lionel Messi on a Twitch stream on Wednesday, wishing his friend and the national team luck for their World Cup quarter-final against Netherlands.
Messi and Aguero had similar experiences, leaving their home in South America for Europe at a young age and sharing a room on international duty for many years.
At the age of 34, Aguero could have been at La Albiceleste’s World Cup, which would have been his fourth, had it not been for a heart condition that forced him into early retirement last year.
The former Manchester City forward has gained a significant following on Twitch and broadcast a video call with Messi, which Messi recorded in his room at the team hotel in Qatar.
“Your victories are also for me, I suffer a lot, but I really enjoy watching you play and that you are so united.” I feel like with you, it makes me very happy that everything is fine,” said Aguero.
“Good luck Friday boys, whatever happens, you’re a phenomenon, I love you.”
Messi said on the call that Aguero’s absence was felt, as was that of Giovani Lo Celso, who won the 2021 Copa America with Argentina but was unable to travel to Qatar due to injury.
“We miss you and Gio, you two are always present,” Messi offered.
At the age of 35, Messi has already confirmed that he expects this to be his last World Cup, with the trophy the last piece of silverware he has yet to win in a storied career.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner inspired Argentina to victory over Australia in the first knockout round last weekend, scoring his 1,000th senior appearance with his 789th goal.
Friday’s match against the Dutch is a repeat of the 1978 final, as well as other famous World Cup knockout matches in 1998 and 2014.
