A former World Cup player launches the idea of obtaining one million signatures for Messi to play in the 2030 World Cup

The future ofLionel Messi with the Argentina National Team continues to be the center of debate across the football world. Following the Rosario star's recent performances on the major international stage, the repercussions have continued to multiply throughout the continent.

On this occasion, the statements came from Bolivia through an interview granted to the program Super Deportivo Radio, a conversation that was quickly echoed by diario Olé and various international media outlets due to the emotional weight of his words.

A continental outcry for him not to retire

The one who spoke up was Marco Antonio "El Diablo" Etcheverry, a legendary former Bolivia national team footballer who played in the 1994 United States World Cup. The former midfielder did not hesitate to plead with the Rosario-born star to continue defending his country's colors in upcoming competitions.

"I see him playing in the next World Cup. Hopefully he doesn’t retire; he absolutely has to be in the next World Cup", Etcheverry stated categorically during the interview with Super Deportivo Radio.

A superior version at the highest level

Likewise, the Bolivian legend highlighted that the performance displayed by the "10" at 39 years of age exceeded the expectations of the entire planet. In his view, the Rosario native remained at the undisputed top of the individual competition above the rest of the participants.

"It was better than all the World Cups he played in. It was far superior to the level of the rest of the players", the former footballer said to the microphones of the aforementioned Argentine media outlet, praising the uninterrupted pedigree of the Argentine captain.

The proposal for a massive campaign

Faced with uncertainty over the captain's final decision, Etcheverry proposed carrying out a massive global signature-gathering campaign to beg the star not to retire. In his view, world football is not prepared to do without its greatest exponent.

'A letter has to be written and signatures gathered from all over the world to ask him not to retire. You start thinking about world football without Messi and nothing will be the same. I think he doesn't want to retire," reflected the former player in statements also reported by the FM Del Sol website.'

The analysis of wear and the Albiceleste commitment

Etcheverry also took the opportunity to analyze the physical wear and tear suffered by the team coached by Lionel Scaloni in the decisive stages. The former midfielder praised the effort of the Argentine squad in matches of maximum international demand.

In turn, he categorically dismissed any criticism of the team's commitment in the decisive moments. "The Argentine player is a born winner. I always trust them and I am convinced that they went out to seek victory at all times", emphasized the Bolivian idol.

The impact in the international media

His words quickly crossed borders and were highlighted by Bolivian media such as Red Uno and eju.tv, where the deep admiration that the "Devil" feels for the Albiceleste captain's career was emphasized.

Etcheverry's figure also holds special significance for South American and Argentine football. His legacy served as inspiration for nicknaming young Albiceleste talents, as is the case of Claudio "Diablito" Echeverri.

The enduring relevance of an unforgettable icon

Throughout his career, the "Diablo" Etcheverry left an indelible mark both on his country's football and in MLS wearing the D.C. United jersey, being considered one of the most talented playmakers of the 1990s.

Click here to read article