Lionel Messi sends six-word Argentina message after missing out on Olympics

Lionel Messi has honoured his fellow countryman Jose Torres Gil after the BMX freestyle wizard clinched Argentina’s first gold at the Olympics.

The 29-year-old athlete wowed the crowd and soared past Team GB’s Keiran Reilly, who took silver, claiming his spot atop the winner’s podium to be crowned the men’s BMX freestyle champion. An electrifying contest saw Gil pull off an astounding 94.82 score, snatching gold in a supreme display of skill – a moment that did not escape the attention of football legend Messi, who skipped this year’s Games.

Messi, already a holder of Olympic gold from his Beijing 2008 glory, took to Instagram with a heartening show of support for the BMX star, posting a snapshot of an elated Gil planting a kiss on his gold medal. Messi’s caption read: “Congratulations, you legend. Enjoy that gold!” Messi wasn’t alone in his sentiment, with other icons of Argentinian sport chiming in, reports the Mirror.

Roma forward Paulo Dybala echoed Messi’s message on social media, while Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez, part of the U23 squad at Paris, shared an image of Gil with gold medal emojis, clapping hands, and the Argentinian flag. Tennis greats Juan Martin del Potro and Gabriela Sabatini also heaped praise on their compatriot following his Olympic success.

Del Potro, who clinched bronze in London 2012 and silver in Rio 2016, and Sabatini, the Seoul 1988 silver medallist, both lauded Gil’s performance. The athlete later himself expressed his joy and the significance of his victory, dedicating it to his country.

“I’m happy, although I still do not fully grasp this achievement. I’m not only representing Argentina but all of Latin America. I know how hard it can be for all of us, so I’m really glad with this. This medal is not only mine, it’s everyone’s. My team, Argentina, and Latin America,” Gil said after his triumph.

Messi, a two-time goalscorer in Argentina’s Beijing Olympics campaign, opted out of the Paris Games in order to rest. Despite efforts by U23s coach Javier Mascherano, his former Barcelona colleague, the 36-year-old felt participation was not viable.

Having already played in the Copa America this summer, the Inter Miami star decided another tournament would be ‘too much’ at his age. Messi also considered the extended absence from his club as a deciding factor against joining up with the Olympic squad.

“I talked to Mascherano and the truth is we both understood the situation,” Messi told ESPN. “I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two straight tournaments. I’ve been very lucky to play in the Olympics, of winning it together with Masche. It was a wonderful experience on a football level.”