Minnesota United’s Joaquin Pereyra touched by Lionel Messi’s ‘humility’

Minnesota United midfielder Joaquin Pereyra’s playing career started in Rosario, Argentina — the hometown of legend Lionel Messi — in 2016.

When Pereyra debuted for Rosario Central at age 16, Messi — 11 years Pereyra’s senior — was already in Spain scoring goals by the ton and winning Ballon d’Or trophies as FIFA’s player of the year at Barcelona.

Like nearly every young player in Argentina, Pereyra looked up to Messi, putting added significance on Messi’s visit with Inter Miami to play against MNUFC in St. Paul last weekend.

“It was something incredible — one of my childhood dreams, without a doubt,” Pereyra told the Pioneer Press via MNUFC translators.

Pereyra scored his first MLS goal a week prior against Austin FC and was one of the Loons’ best players in a 4-1 win over Messi and Miami. Pereyra helped create the Loons’ opening goal from Bongi Hlongwane in the 32nd minute, putting United en route to a blowout victory.

Afterward, Pereyra and fellow Argentine and Loons teammate Nicolas Romero each left Allianz Field with one of Messi’s game-worn, pink No. 10 jerseys. One of which Messi donned in each half.

“We were lucky that he gave us the two he used,” Pereyra said. “… We were very happy, obviously.”

Pereyra said he will “treasure” the shirt and was grateful Messi was willing to gift them.

“I approached him on the field when we were playing,” Pereyra said. “… I asked him if he could give me his jersey. He said yes, without any problem.”

What happened next might have touched Pereyra even more.

“During the course of the game, he came up to talk with me and with Nico Romero as well,” Pereyra said. “He asked us how we were, if we knew the (English) language, if we were alone or with a partner. He came up to us and spoke to us, and honestly that for us, it is an honor. In addition to everything he has won and how great he is, he showed that human side and so much humility.

“He remains an example to follow because even at his caliber and the status that we have him at, for him to be so humble and come up to talk to us is something incredible.”