For fans of Lionel Messi, one more chance to see magic made at NRG by soccer's top star

When Lionel Messi and Argentina played in Houston in 2016, he acknowledges a fan who ran onto the field.

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To many, Lionel Messi is the definition of magic. The kind of magic that inspires children to imagine the blue and white striped jersey with “Messi” and No. 10 across the back. 

The boy from Rosario, Argentina, who has now conquered the world, will visit one of his territories Thursday. The Albiceleste, as Argentina’s national team is called, will take on Ecuador in the quarterfinals of Copa América at NRG Stadium.

Imagine the fascination of seeing the world through Messi’s eyes when he steps onto the field. With a 5-7 figure, he had to learn the game a bit differently. He is notorious for walking during games, though he is very much at work. During a causal stroll, Messi observes his opponents to examine the way to initiate a counterattack. 

Messi delves into more than just plays; he studies the intricacies of field space, ball possession, opponent stances, body language and psychology — fully aware of their impact on the game. And his fans have studied him. 

“(Watching him) is like when we are kids watching the best player pass everyone without breaking a sweat,” said Hassan Rida, a fan who drove 11 hours from Atlanta to Houston to watch Messi. “It’s incredible the way he celebrates and plays, (just) like when you’re a kid.”

Messi, an eight-time winner of the Ballon d’Or as the world’s best player, weaves through defenders with an elegant, simple style of play. It entails amazing vision, a ball that stays put in front of his legs, and the finishing touch that awes millions, among those Marcelo Jiménez. 

Jiménez was born in Mendoza, Argentina, and moved to Houston when he was 3.

“(Soccer) is a huge passion that we Argentines feel, and knowing that our country is coming here, it’s a big thing,” Jiménez said. “There are not many Argentines here in Houston, so seeing a large crowd like this of my own people is like feeling at home, I would feel like I’m in Argentina.”

This will be Messi’s second appearance at NRG. He was here for the Copa América in 2016, when Argentina beat the U.S. 4-0. Messi opened the game with an assist and later added a perfect shot on a free kick from 27 yards away.

But Argentina would lose in the Copa América final that year to Chile. Messi was so devastated that he quit the the national team minutes after losing in a 4-2 penalty shootout. 

He returned, and five years later Argentina beat Brazil 1-0. In 2022, Argentina won the FIFA World Cup trophy to complete his collection. With that, Messi has won every major soccer tournament, becoming the sport's most decorated player of all time.

But there was nothing simple about his journey.

At age 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, a rare condition that prevents the body from growing as expected for its age. At 12, he injected Human Growth Hormone into both legs. And by the time he turned 13, his modest family struggled to cover the treatment costs. FC Barcelona stepped in to sponsor his treatment upon signing Messi, who was already seen as an up-and-coming star.

After 17 seasons with Barca, he left in 2021 with a tear-filled farewell speech and joined Paris PSG. Then last year, he came to the U.S. and Inter Miami CF, for whom he currently plays as a forward, wearing his iconic captain sleeve.

Ezequiel Ponce, who was introduced by the Dynamo on Wednesday after signing last week, recognizes all that makes Messi perhaps the greatest soccer player of all time.

“He is someone (that’s) so important in my country. We only have admiration (for him), a pride that he is Argentinian — that he’s from the same city I’m from,” Ponce said. “He’s the best player in history by far. … I’m glad we can still enjoy him, and I hope to be able to find him soon.”

Inter Miami and the Dynamo are not scheduled to play this year.

Messi’s humble personality has secured him immeasurable respect and adoration that will be on display at NRG. The placement of his hand and a gentle caress on the heads of his fans show the appreciation Messi has for those who support him.

At age 37, Messi might be nearing the end of his career, but his legacy will remain through his followers.

“I’m sad, but I’m also pretty satisfied on how its ending,” said Luis Hernandez, a Houstonian who first encountered Messi when he watched YouTube videos trying to work on his finishes and skills in soccer at age 13. “He is very honorable. Whenever someone slide tackles or smashes into him, he doesn’t complain. He just gets up — which is what he has done his whole life.”

He’s an underdog who overcame obstacles to become who he was destined to be. Messi has become the reason for the sound that breaks the silence during any soccer match he plays.

By Perla Paredes Hernandez,Staff writer