Messi snap goes around the world: iconic photo on multiple levels
Created: 01/13/2023, 14:58
By: Stefan Schmid
Before the first game as the newly crowned world champion, Lionel Messi provides an iconic photo, which could not be more appropriate on several levels.
Paris - Lionel Messi is considered one of the best footballers of all time and was able to underline this claim by winning the world title at the tournament in Qatar.
The Argentinian has now returned to regular play and immediately scored a goal for his club Paris St. Germain.
But in addition to the footballing performance, a photo that was taken during the warm-up in particular caused enthusiasm.
The football god seems to have had his fingers in the picture during the recording and so it is not surprising that the picture on Instagram is going through the roof.
Lionel Messi wears Pelé on his shirt and the halo on his head.
© Instagram/Tomas De Micheli
Messi with a halo before the game
Tomás De Micheli, during the warm-up before the game between Paris St. Germain and Angers SCO (2-0 for Paris), managed to capture an image with such an excellent composition that makes one believe in higher powers of football.
You can see Lionel Messi, who appears to be wearing a halo and also has the likeness of the late Brazilian football god Pelé on his shirt.
On closer inspection, the halo turns out to be the penalty spot in the Parc des Princes, but that doesn't detract from the impressive picture.
So it's hardly surprising that the likes under the associated Instagram post far exceed De Micheli's follower numbers.
Various sports portals on the platform have also noticed the post and have been busy reposting it, including
ESPN Spain
with a reach of 3.4 million followers.
Messi and Paris teammates pay tribute to Pele
The pre-match jerseys, dedicated to Pelé, who died on December 29, 2022, were worn by the entire Paris team and carried an additional message alongside the depiction of the Brazilian.
Under the Brazilian legend's face was written "Eterno rei" - "Eternal King".
To pay tribute to the late Pelé, the PSG squad wore special pre-match jerseys.
© IMAGO/Michael Baucher
Messi himself also made sporting headlines with the goal to make it 2-0 against Angers and also played freely in other respects.
At the moment it is more uncertain than ever how long they will continue to enjoy the multiple world footballer in Paris.
Not only that Messi's contract expires at the end of the season anyway, now the city rivals of Ronaldo club Al-Nassr seem to be preparing an offer in the current transfer period.
(sh)
