Leonardo Balerdi, captain of Olympique de Marseille and new to the Argentine selection, has the opportunity to share unique moments with a certain Lionel Messi. The OM defender, selected with the Albiceleste for only two meetings, revealed the advice of Messi who encourages him to reproduce his club game in the selection. “Leo Messi asks me to be calm and play the same way as at club. That's the key. And then obviously, you have to adapt to your opponent. It depends on the opponent and the training. He always asks you to be 100% and try to play the same way as at club. This allows you to establish yourself permanently here,” explained Balerdi, comments reported by BeIN Sports.
Balerdi really needs confidence
However, Balerdi's season is mixed. Despite the captain's armband, his level of play is worrying, punctuated by costly errors, such as his expulsion against Lyon (2-3) after only 15 minutes. This difficult start to the season, marked by repeated blunders, has sparked criticism, with some questioning his role as captain. Despite everything, Messi's encouragement and his appearances for the national team offer Balerdi an opportunity to get back on track and meet expectations, both in Marseille and with Argentina.
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To summarize
Leonardo Balerdi, the defender and captain of OM, rubs shoulders with a certain Lionel Messi in the selection. The opportunity to learn from him… Indeed, Messi does not hesitate to give his young partner some advice…
