Santiago Giménez on choosing Mexico over Argentina: Messi wasn’t going to change my mind

Santiago Giménez was born in Argentina in April 2001 but in the middle of 2004, his father, Christian Giménez, moved the family to Mexico.

“I’m not going to lie, I love Messi. He’s an animal, he’s the best of all time, but it’s better to play against him,” said the Feyenoord striker in an interview with Christian Martin for El Futbolero México.

“My family made me think about playing with him with Argentina, but my heart wasn’t there and today I’m happy with the decision I made and what I can dream of with the Mexican national team.”

The chance to play with Messi

“I love him, but I wasn’t going to make that decision because of Messi, I was going to make it with my heart. I’m happy with the decision,” he said.

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Giménez in fine form

The striker made his debut for Mexican side Cruz Azul in 2021 and, from there, his career has gone from strength to strength. His attacking performances led to several European clubs showing interest, and it was Feyenoord who eventually signed him in the summer of 2022.

Giménez finished 2023 as the top scorer in the Eredivisie with 31 goals. According to Transfermarkt, he is now worth €50 million ($54.8m).