Lionel Messi’s Argentina Teammate Leandro Paredes Reveals Their Unique Pre-Match Ritual

In an intriguing revelation about team dynamics, Leandro Paredes, a midfielder for the Argentina national football team, has shared a unique pre-match ritual he shares with superstar Lionel Messi. This ritual, which Paredes described as a friendly gesture, involves him playfully slapping Messi before every game they play together.

Paredes, who currently plays for Roma, mentioned that this tradition started during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. He humorously recounted, 'Before every game, I give him a little slap. It's something we've been doing for a while now. It's our way of saying hello, of getting into the game mood.'

This light-hearted pre-game routine not only highlights the camaraderie within the Argentina squad but also showcases the personal bond between Paredes and Messi, who have shared the pitch on numerous occasions both at club and international levels.

The revelation adds a charming insight into the behind-the-scenes life of professional footballers, illustrating how even the world's best players maintain rituals that can seem trivial but are significant in their preparation and team spirit.

• Argentina National Team
• Leandro Paredes
• Lionel Messi