An apparently discreet detail in Lionel Messi's farewell from the Argentine national team may hide a special meaning. Next to the letter in which the star announced, this past Monday, the end of his journey with the team, appears a pen that may be directly linked to the conquest of the 2022 World Cup.
The pen that appears in the images may be the same one created especially for Messi after the world title. The piece was produced by Argentine goldsmith Hugo Gassioles, who also made other specimens for the AFA (Argentine Football Association).
According to the newspaper La Nación, the version destined for the number 10 was made with guaiac wood and silver. The choice of material was not by chance: the artisan explained that the resistance of the wood made reference to Messi's characteristics.
The design also brings together symbols of the Argentine national team, such as the number 10, the AFA identification and the three stars that represent the world titles conquered by the country.
