How Messi’s magic is powering the Pumas in Townsville

2 weeks ago 4

Last Saturday, in front of 49,000 delirious fans in Buenos Aires, Argentina defeated the All Blacks on home soil for the first time. By Wednesday, they were back down to earth, drenched in sweat after training in the Townsville humidity on a field beside oblivious local schoolchildren concentrating on their long jump strides.

There are still home comforts for the Pumas. Ubiquitous flasks of mate tea are neatly laid out and there is news that the away section is sold out, thanks to Townsville’s small but passionate Argentine community. Then there is the ritual most of the Pumas will follow, of getting up on Friday morning before training to watch Lionel Messi lead Argentina’s soccer team into battle.

Argentina’s historic victory over the All Blacks was unique in that it dominated the back pages of the country’s newspapers, which generally move to the fanatical rhythms of football – be it domestic or international. Argentina’s media have since reverted to type, following Messi’s every move as he arrives in Buenos Aires to prepare for the match against Venezuela, potentially his last World Cup qualifier in Argentina.

Ahead of their victory over the British and Irish Lions in June, Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi spoke openly about how Messi and la Albiceleste provide support to the Pumas and inspire them to compete with the best in the world.

“The soccer players give us a lot of support, sometimes they send a video. I think there’s that synergy of being Argentinian. It doesn’t matter the code – soccer, rugby, basketball – you are Argentinian,” Contempomi said.

“In our country, we are going through a football honeymoon. Argentina is the best team at the moment: world champions, two-time South American champions. We are probably at the best-ever soccer moment in our lives, in Argentinian history.

Lionel Messi after Argentina’s win against France at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“They are so consistent and, honestly, it is an honour to watch them. They are a good example and inspiring for us because of the way they behave. The way Messi behaves, the way the manager [Lionel] Scaloni behaves, everyone.”

Loosehead prop Mayco Vivas started in the victory against New Zealand and although his role in the scrum has little in common with the flair and finesse of Messi, he finds inspiration from his example.

Messi didn’t just inspire Argentina to a long-awaited World Cup, joining Diego Maradona’s 1986 world champions, he also helped provide Argentina’s elite athletes with a vision of what is possible.

”I think that every athlete in their country wants to leave a mark like Messi has,” Vivas said. “Lionel is leaving his legacy through everything he has done and what he’s still doing nowadays. I think that for any person it can be an inspiration and it is.

Los Pumas celebrate their historic victory over the All Blacks in Buenos Aires last month.

“He is one of those people who until the end of time, will always be remembered and they’re still an inspiration for us after 30, 40, 50 years.”

Vivas also acknowledges the support that Messi and his teammates have given the Pumas.

“The reality is that it’s mutual support from us and them and it makes you feel like you’re more united with the other [Argentine] teams,” Vivas said.

“As a team, as a country, I think it gives you unity and camaraderie among everyone, which is what makes the difference in the most difficult moments and I think it’s something typical of Argentina.”

Argentinian fans, wearing Messi football shirts, celebrate their Rugby Championship win over Australia in Sydney in 2023.

Halfback Simon Benitez-Cruz, who won his second cap from the bench in the victory over New Zealand in Buenos Aires, is expecting a motivated Wallabies team in Townsville after a hard series in South Africa.

“What we did this week [in training] was very intense, and we played 80 minutes as if it were in a game, Benitez Cruz said. “Australia has a very wide range of very good players, they have come from a very good series with the Lions and a very good series with South Africa.

“We expect that a lot of intensity, they like to play everywhere and they will have prepared well.”

Meanwhile, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is expected to recall captain Harry Wilson after the No.8 missed out on facing South Africa due to a knee injury.

Tom Hooper is set to be rewarded for outstanding performances against the Springboks in Johannesburg and Cape Town, moving from the back row to partner Nick Frost in Townsville. Hooper’s No.6 jersey will be taken by Rob Valetini, giving Schmidt a tried and trusted back row completed by Wilson and Fraser McReight.

The Wallabies team will be announced on Thursday afternoon.