Cameron Devlin has revealed how he landed a historic shirt from Lionel Messi’s one thousandth sport regardless of being an alternative to Australia towards Argentina.
- Socceroos confronted Albiceleste in 2022 World Cup
- Suffered a 2-1 defeat in spherical of 16
- Hearts midfielder landed prized memento
WHAT HAPPENED? The Socceroos lined up towards the Albiceleste and their talismanic captain within the last-16 of the 2022 World Cup, with Messi and Co proving to be too robust on the day as they made their means into the quarter-finals on the again of a 2-1 win. That contest was a historic one for seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, as he reached one other notable landmark, nevertheless it was Devlin who walked away with a prized memento regardless of failing to take to the sphere.
WHAT THEY SAID: The Hearts midfielder has advised FOX Sports activities on how he managed to swap shirts with an all-time nice: “I went on [the pitch] and consoled all of the boys first after which shook Messi’s hand. Nobody had mentioned something so I simply tried my luck and he mentioned, ‘I’ll see you inside,’ and that’s what occurred. I undoubtedly wished one of many different boys to have the chance first, however nobody took it, so I assumed why not?”
Devlin added on passing his personal jersey to an iconic determine: “I don’t know if it will likely be on his wall at residence or possibly nonetheless on the bottom in that altering room however I’m not fussed — it’s extra that I bought his. I used to be stunned he even took mine. He undoubtedly wouldn’t know who I’m, however he’s a pleasant sufficient bloke and a humble sufficient bloke to nonetheless present that respect, and that’s clearly tremendous good, however I wasn’t too fearful about what my jersey was doing at that stage.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Whereas Devlin landed Messi’s shirt, loads of different Australian stars had been in a position to get a post-match selfie with the South American celebrity as they waited patiently exterior Argentina’s dressing room for him to emerge.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
Getty Photographs
WHAT NEXT? The Australian squad has now returned residence from Qatar, however Argentina are into the final eight and have an important conflict with the Netherlands to soak up on Friday – a contest that can see Messi wanting so as to add to his three match objectives to this point.