The trans-Andean star made one of the most memorable tributes after Pelusa’s death. After scoring a goal very similar to the only one that the native of Villa Fiorito scored with Newell’s jacket, he took off his shirt and wore the shirt of the deceased footballer underneath. As he later said, he found this jacket by chance, without knowing who had left it where it was.
November 29 marked the third anniversary of one of the most moving (and highly anticipated) tributes following the death of Diego Armando Maradona. On Thursday the 25th of the eleventh month, in 2020, Pelusa had ceased to exist. News that shook the whole world. People connected with football and those who had never played this sport in their lives were surprised by what happened. The trans-Andean idol left no one indifferent.
After the death of originally from Villa Fiorito the world was waiting for what Lionel Messi could do to remember him. The Rosario man has been classified as the great heir to Maradona’s 10 in the Albiceleste. Many, especially after the World Cup in Qatar, put them on par. Of course, the relationship between the two was not just that of two stars from different eras, but Maradona was the coach of La Pulga. No less than in South Africa 2010. Furthermore, they shared in different occasions, such as formal events or television programs.
Messi knew he had to do something that would make a difference. For this reason, during the match between Barcelona, his club at the time, and Osasuna, the captain of the Argentine team made one of the most memorable gestures. He scored the Blaugrana’s fourth goal and, when celebrating, he took off his institution’s jacket. Underneath, he wore a Newell’s Old Boys jersey, a team he is a fan of, from the 1993 season. He wore Maradona’s 10 who was active among the lepers that year.
“The day before the match, I was lying with Antonela (Rocuzzo) and I told her: ‘I have to do something.’ At home, I have a museum section with trophies and t-shirts. So I went to see what was there, looking for one of the Selection or something from Diego. I went back up and noticed that the little door, still closed, was open. On a chair was the number 10 from Newell’s t-shirt. I walked in and saw her. I don’t know why it was there. I didn’t even remember I had it. I saw her like that and said, “That’s it.” It was incredible” said Leo Messi remembering his tribute.
A goal from both
The coincidences didn’t stop. Indeed, the goal scored by Lionel Messi against Osasuna on that emotional day was very similar to the only goal he scored. Diego Armando Maradona with the casting of Rosario. An extremely similar game, except that it has developed in different terrain profiles.
In the 73′, the Barcelona idol received, left two players in the way and finished with a left-footed shot in the corner, unstoppable for the goalkeeper. Right after came the aforementioned tribute. However, just as striking is the goal Pelusa scored against Emelec, 27 years earlier, in a friendly confrontation.
Diego received, left a marker behind and launched a right foot (his less skilled foot) which slipped into the top corner. A finish similar to what La Pulga did, decades later, precisely to remember him and wearing in the jersey that the deceased attacking midfielder defended. “It is a very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but he does not go away, because Diego is eternal. I remember all the beautiful moments I spent with him and I wanted to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP”, wrote the current Inter Miami striker on the day of Maradona’s death, on his Instagram account.
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Source: Latercera
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
