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Argentina national football team captain Lionel Messi has sent a congratulatory message to compatriot Jose Torres Gil for winning gold at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics.
Gil, 29, was not among the contenders for gold at the men's BMX Freestyle event but registered a score of 94.82 in his first run to win the coveted medal. Messi - who is recovering from an ankle injury - wasted no time congratulating his compatriot, posting on Instagram story (via GOAL):
“Congratulations, enjoy that gold very much.”
Meanwhile, Gil said about his 'incredible' experience (as per MSN):
“Total craziness, it brought tears to my eyes. The level was extraordinary. The best athletes of the planet were here in Paris. I competed against the best of the world and I felt incredible; I feel part of this incredible universe.”
It's pertinent to note that Messi spent two seasons in Paris - the venue of the 2024 Summer Olympics - playing the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons with PSG - after he left Barcelona as a free agent, where he had spent 17 illustrious campaigns.
After leaving the Parisians last summer on a free transfer, La Pulga joined his current MLS club Inter Miami.
How Lionel Messi fared in Argentina's triumphant 2024 Copa America campaign
Argentina captain Lionel Messi endured an injury-plagued campaign at the 2024 Copa America last month - contributing a goal and assist in five games. Both goal contributions came in 2-0 wins over Canada - one in the group stage and the other in the semi-final.
The 37-year-old came off with a swollen ankle midway through the second half of his team's 1-0 extra-time win over Colombia in the final. Lautaro Martinez was the hero for the Albiceleste with a late winner in extra time as Lionel Messi and Co. won a record 16th Copa title.
However, since that game, Messi has missed three games across competitions for his club side. He's also set to miss the Herons' Leagues Cup clash with Tigres on Saturday (August 3) due to his ankle injury.
