The eighth round of the Argentine football championship featured a meeting between Rosario Central and Newell's Old Boys, with Lionel Messi also becoming a central figure in the derby.
İdman.Biz reports that the match at the Gigante de Arroyito stadium included a special tribute to the Argentine star, who has announced his retirement from the national team at the age of 39.
Under a decision by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), matches across the country are being stopped in the 10th minute to honor Messi. During the Rosario derby, referee Yael Falcon Perez halted play as a video dedicated to the footballer was shown on the stadium's giant screen. Players, coaching staff and a large section of the crowd applauded the Argentine legend.
However, the ceremony produced an unusual reaction from some Rosario Central supporters. Instead of chanting Messi's name, they began calling out "Fideo, Fideo" in support of their captain, Angel Di Maria.
The reaction was largely connected to Messi's ties with Newell's Old Boys, Rosario Central's fierce local rivals. Messi played in Newell's academy as a child and has repeatedly expressed his support for the club. As a result, some Rosario Central fans also accompanied the tribute with whistles.
Di Maria, who was on the pitch, showed his respect for his longtime friend and former Argentina teammate. The Rosario Central captain joined the other players in applauding Messi throughout the ceremony.
Newell's Old Boys also paid tribute to their famous academy graduate. The team's players wore a special emblem bearing the words "Gracias Leo" ("Thank you, Leo") on their shirts. Captain Luca Regiardo also wore a special armband featuring the same message.
Messi developed at Newell's Old Boys before moving to Barcelona's La Masia academy, where he continued his football education and began the journey that would make him one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
