Touching hug between Leo Meesi and "Tata" Martino: a very special reunion
The Argentine star showed his affection for the man who had been his coach
One of the images from the match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United was the emotional hug shared before kickoff by two old friends, Leo Messi and "Tata" Martino.
The player and the coach have shared many moments throughout their careers, at FC Barcelona and Inter Miami , as well as with the Argentina national team , and they maintain a great personal relationship off the pitch.
The affection is mutual and was evident in the reunion between the two, which took place a few days after the announcement of Leo Messi 's retirement from the Argentina national team and when barely a month has passed since the death of Jorge Messi, which occurred on August 8. The emotion of the moment had nothing to do with what happened at the end of the match, marred by a tense argument between Leo Messi and Junior Alonso after the final 2-2 draw.
Martino: "I really wanted to give him that hug"
In the post-match interview, Martino opened up. "A lot has happened in the last two months, and I really wanted to give him that hug," he admitted. Before the match, Tata Martino had words of praise for Leo Messi in a press conference, when journalists asked him about the legend's farewell to the Albiceleste. “I can only think to say thank you. There’s not much more to say to him. Thank you very much or eternal thanks”, he commented.
“It’s time to stop asking anything more of him and leave him in peace to enjoy life. Still here in Miami, with his family. Above all, may God grant him much happiness, and his loved ones as well” , he commented.
