Argentina: Joaquin Panichelli lets loose in his debut alongside Messi on the pitch

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·17. November 2025

Argentina: Joaquin Panichelli lets loose in his debut alongside Messi on the pitch

Joaquin Panichelli et Lionel Messi

Last Friday, Joaquin Panichelli had the chance to face Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team. The Argentine striker could hardly believe it.

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Against Angola (2-0) in a friendly last Friday, forward Joaquin Panichelli made his big debut wearing the Argentina shirt, coming on as a substitute for Lionel Messi in the 86th minute. Speaking in the mixed zone, the Strasbourg player was visibly starstruck as he discussed the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"I grew up watching him play, for so many years. Being here, seeing him in person... Not just him, but all the superstars present—it's truly amazing. I asked him for a photo; it was really special to be able to share those moments with him," Panichelli said.