Farewell to Maximilian Rodriguez: Another Iconic Figure Exiting Argentine Football
While Juan Román Riquelme’s departure is grabbing headlines, another significant farewell is on the horizon for Argentine football. Maximilian Rodriguez, celebrated for his memorable stints with Newell’s Old Boys and the Argentine National Team, has won the hearts of soccer fans everywhere. His final goodbye, scheduled for June 24 at the Coloso del Parque, is expected to be a momentous occasion.
A Gathering of Football Legends
An impressive lineup of football figures has already confirmed their presence, including Lionel Scaloni, Carlos Tevez, Kun Agüero, Javier Mascherano, Gabriel Heinze, Juan Pablo Sorín, Javier Saviola, Gabriel Batistuta, Tata Martino, and Pablo Aimar, among others. However, one name stands out above all others: Lionel Messi, who, coincidentally, will be celebrating his 36th birthday on that same day.
Messi and Maximilian Rodriguez during their time playing for the national team.
Hoping for Messi’s Presence
In an exclusive interview with Olé newspaper, Maximilian Rodriguez expressed his hope of seeing Lionel Messi at the grand event. “Hopefully! We’ll wait until the last moment to see if he can come. It’s his birthday, so you can imagine the atmosphere if he decides to join us. It would be a dream come true for all Newell’s fans to witness Leo’s presence on this field,” the midfielder affirmed.
It is evident that Newell’s holds a special place in Lionel Messi’s heart, as he is a devoted fan of the team. Playing at the Coloso del Parque would undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for him. However, Maximilian has already arranged a stellar lineup of players to represent the club, while the other guests will join the national team.
Messi paying tribute to Maradona during a match with Newell’s.
The Dilemma: National Team or Newell’s?
The question that looms large is whether Messi will manage to take time out of his birthday celebrations to attend the farewell. Will he don the national team’s jersey, or will the fans’ long-awaited dream of seeing him in a Newell’s Old Boys shirt finally come true at Marcelo Bielsa Stadium?
Maximilian Rodriguez’s response to this quandary is bound to excite many: “Let him play a little while with both teams. He has the opportunity to represent both sides, but what truly matters to me is for him to be here even if it’s just for five minutes to say hello and share a hug on the field. That would make me happy.”
