Del Potro, shocked by Messi quitting Argentina: «Catches us all off guard» | OneFootball

Juan Martín Del Potro dedicated a few words to Lionel Messi after he announced his retirement from the Argentina national team. The former tennis player said that the Rosario-born star’s performance at the last World Cup “elevates him even more,” knowing the personal situation he was going through because of his father’s serious illness, who ultimately died weeks later.

“From now on, every day we see him on the pitch, it’s time to thank him for everything he gave. As Argentinians, we have to be grateful to have Messi with us”, Del Potro said in an interview with ESPN.

He also said he was surprised by the news: “It’s shocking news, but it’s one of those things, one of those days, that have to come. Maybe it catches all of us off guard.”

“He just scored four goals, he looks in good shape and eager to keep playing. And then suddenly this message leaves the whole world in shock”, the Tandil native said.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.