Messi didn’t just inspire Argentina to a long-awaited World Cup, joining Diego Maradona’s 1986 world champions, he also helped provide Argentina’s elite athletes with a vision of what is possible.
”I think that every athlete in their country wants to leave a mark like Messi has,” Vivas said. “Lionel is leaving his legacy through everything he has done and what he’s still doing nowadays. I think that for any person it can be an inspiration and it is.
Los Pumas celebrate their historic victory over the All Blacks in Buenos Aires last month.Credit: AP
“He is one of those people who until the end of time, will always be remembered and they’re still an inspiration for us after 30, 40, 50 years.”
Vivas also acknowledges the support that Messi and his teammates have given the Pumas.
“The reality is that it’s mutual support from us and them and it makes you feel like you’re more united with the other [Argentine] teams,” Vivas said.
“As a team, as a country, I think it gives you unity and camaraderie among everyone, which is what makes the difference in the most difficult moments and I think it’s something typical of Argentina.”
Argentinian fans, wearing Messi football shirts, celebrate their Rugby Championship win over Australia in Sydney in 2023.Credit: AP
Halfback Simon Benitez-Cruz, who won his second cap from the bench in the victory over New Zealand in Buenos Aires, is expecting a motivated Wallabies team in Townsville after a hard series in South Africa.
“What we did this week [in training] was very intense, and we played 80 minutes as if it were in a game, Benitez Cruz said. “Australia has a very wide range of very good players, they have come from a very good series with the Lions and a very good series with South Africa.
“We expect that a lot of intensity, they like to play everywhere and they will have prepared well.”
Loading
Meanwhile, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is expected to recall captain Harry Wilson after the No.8 missed out on facing South Africa due to a knee injury.
Tom Hooper is set to be rewarded for outstanding performances against the Springboks in Johannesburg and Cape Town, moving from the back row to partner Nick Frost in Townsville. Hooper’s No.6 jersey will be taken by Rob Valetini, giving Schmidt a tried and trusted back row completed by Wilson and Fraser McReight.
The Wallabies team will be announced on Thursday afternoon.
