Riquelme thanks Messi for sacrificing 'well-desired' vacation days
Juan Roman Riquelme was "grateful" that fellow Argentina legend Lionel Messi played in his farewell game on Sunday.
Riquelme starred for Boca Juniors against a star-studded Argentina eleven – featuring the likes of Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Paredes, Lionel Scaloni, Pablo Aimar, Javier Saviola, Esteban Cambiasso -- at Boca's iconic home ground, La Bombonera.
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"This is too much… This has been like being involved in one of the most beautiful movies," an emotional Riquelme spoke to fans at the stadium.
"Football has given me everything in life. I dreamed of buying the house for my mother, nothing more… I was born a fighter like all of you and I know that I am going to die a fighter like all of you. Without you I could not live," added the former Barcelona, Villareal, Boca star who retired from professional football in 2015 following 51 caps for Argentina.
Around 50-thousand spectators at the packed stadium roared the loudest when Messi was introduced in the match, and Boca fans were even seen to celebrate when Messi scored on the night.
Riquelme took the opportunity to thank Messi for his presence. "Messi and Maradona are the two greatest players I've seen in my whole life. It's wonderful to have him here," said the 45-year-old, who donned the No. 10 shirt in 2006 World Cup.
"I apologize to your family Leo that you had vacations and stayed a couple more days, I'm very grateful that you always said yes to me and for all the bosteros I am lucky to have you here, it is unforgettable, I hope you had a great time. I love you very much."
On the night, Messi left the pitch in the 17th minute of the second half amid huge ovation and was replaced by former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker Saviola.
It is well known that Messi considers Riquelme as one of his idols. La Pulga pulled off a Riquelme-inspired celebration during Argentina's Qatar World Cup quarterfinals fixture against Netherlands last year.
"It is a very nice feeling to be able to be in his (Riquelme) tribute, what he means for Argentine football, for Boca, once again to play at La Bombonera, a very special day to enjoy."
Messi will be off for a vacation with his family and he is set to be presented as the new Inter Miami player around mid-July. "I'm going on a well-desired vacation with my family and then I'll start in my new city and new club, excited and very happy."
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