Curacao goalkeeper: I didn t expect to be able to change to Messi s jersey. Someone did offer it but this jersey is priceless

September 3: Curacao's country Mön Rom recalled once again when he exchanged jerseys with Messi two years ago.

"I was lucky enough to play against Messi when I was playing in Eindhoven, but I was not the starter at that time, but I just sat on the bench and witnessed his style when wearing a Barcelona jersey. However, being able to compete with him was still one of the most glorious moments in my career."

"At that time, Argentina was a very special experience, and it was also the most important game in the history of our team, a valuable lesson. At that time, many players were still in the national team, and this game helped us become better."

"At that time, Argentina had just won the World Cup, and the world's attention was focused there, which also gave us a huge exposure, allowing more people to understand our country, our island and our football."

"Many people did not know Curacao's football strength before and what we could do, so I think this brought us into everyone's vision, It has helped our island development, such as tourism. "

" At that time, I played for the Columbus crew, and then I framed the Messi jersey I received. Now it is safely hung in my home in the Netherlands, and lined up the jerseys I exchanged with. This is not only a proud moment in our history, but also for me personally. Being able to play against Messi is the dream of every player. "

" There have been jersey collectors who have paid for it, but for me this jersey is a souvenir and a career achievement, and I have no reason to sell it. Maybe when the offer is very high, I will think about it. Or when Messi retires, the jersey price may rise again... But for me, it is priceless and is my proudest moment for Curacao's national team career: playing against Messi, performing well, and getting his jersey. "

" I really didn't expect I can get Messi's jersey because everyone wants it, and my teammates are asking for it too. I didn't even think he would give it to me. I originally planned to exchange the jersey with goalkeeper Martinez. "

" But after the game, I talked to Messi in the penalty area. He stood there, and I asked him for the jersey. He agreed readily and gave me the jersey. I thought he might not want my jersey, but he shouted: 'No, I want your jersey too, you performed well, save It was a very special moment, especially when I heard that he scored the 100th goal for Argentina in that game, and I was very proud that he gave me the jersey for this game. "

When asked if he felt he had the chance to play in Messi's last World Cup, Rom said: "No one can say it. If you told me a few years ago that I would play against Messi on behalf of Curacao, I would definitely not believe it. But after experiencing that After cutting, anything can happen, so we first have to make sure we can advance to the World Cup. We are on the right path and having the chance to make it to the World Cup, which will be a dream. "

Speaking of being born in the Netherlands but choosing to play for Curacao, Rom said: "Obviously, when you grow up in the Netherlands as a child, you will dream of playing for the Dutch national team. But my father is from Curacao and my mother is Dutch, so I always have two choices."

" At that time, Cruivet became the new coach of Curacao, and he called and asked if I would play for Curacao. Before that, I never thought about this because I still dreamed of playing for the Netherlands. However, I knew that if I chose Curacao, I could be the starter. After careful consideration, I chose Curacao because we had a plan, which was to score to the World Cup, which was also my dream."