Strasbourg’s Joaquín Panichelli shares ‘dream’ moment with idol Lionel Messi

Joaquín Panichelli (23) has been rewarded for his prolific start to the season. With nine goals for RC Strasbourg Alsace, he is currently the top scorer in Ligue 1 and was rewarded with a first call-up to the Argentina squad by Lionel Scaloni.

Panichelli made his debut for Argentina on Friday, coming off the bench in a 2-0 win over Angola in a friendly. The man he replaced in the game was none other than Lionel Messi, who netted in the win for the reigning World Champions. 

Whilst he didn’t get the chance to share the pitch with his idol, he did nonetheless take a photo with the Inter Miami forward, later posted on social media. “The best of us! Thank you for making so many people happy. There is no better start than this,” said the Strasbourg striker. 

Panichelli then later spoke to TyC Sports about the interaction. Evoking a “dream” at having made his debut for the national team, he added, “I grew up watching him (Messi) for years. Being here, seeing him in the flesh… him and all of the stars, it was great. We took a photo together. It was great to share these moments with him,” said the former River Plate man.

Panichelli now returns to Strasbourg, where he will look to continue his form and secure a place in Argentina’s World Cup squad.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle