USMNT star Sergiño Dest addresses his embarrassing outfit at Messi’s Barcelona farewell

USMNT star Sergiño Dest had the privilege of sharing the pitch with Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona earlier than Messi’s shocking departure in 2021. In the course of the press convention asserting the membership legend’s exit, Dest’s outfit selection caught followers off guard. Now, years later, the defender has make clear his apparel that day.

Messi, who joined Barcelona’s La Masia academy at age 13 and spent most of his profession within the Catalan metropolis, gave a tearful farewell in entrance of household, associates, and teammates. Whereas most attendees wore formal apparel for the solemn event, Dest arrived in a tank high and shorts—an off-the-cuff look that appeared misplaced. Talking with GOAL USA, Dest defined the story behind his selection.

“It wasn’t a Chicago Bulls jersey (as most individuals stated)… I wasn’t actually being attentive to the second, I knew it was an enormous second, however was underestimating it somewhat bit. I used to be like ‘it is a fast outfit I can put on’ so I put it within the washer. Then once I got here there, I spotted ‘Oh s—, this isn’t the choice I had to decide on,’” Dest admitted.

Some followers felt that Dest’s informal apparel got here off as disrespectful to Messi, however he clarified that he wasn’t absolutely conscious of the gravity of the second. “Crucial(factor)is that I got here there, be there for him. That’s one thing extra vital than the outfit at that second,” he added.

Reflecting on one of the vital historic moments in current soccer historical past, Dest now sees it as a humorous reminiscence. “Actually, I ought to have finished it extra typically, you realize, to make it a factor,” he joked.

Dest’s greatest remorse about enjoying with Messi

As one of many few USMNT gamers to have performed alongside Messi, Dest cherishes the expertise, although he regrets not having extra time with the Argentine star. In an interview with The Athletic, Dest shared his ideas on enjoying with Messi:

“With Messi, you’ve received to run as a result of then he’ll give it to you. Sadly, it didn’t occur extra actually because for the primary couple of months, you’ve received to grasp him, after which he left. I had felt like (if he stayed) the subsequent season I’d have had a fair higher relationship with him,” Dest stated.

He additionally believes one other season with Messi might have been transformative. “We had constructed rapport. I began to really feel extra snug within the crew and knew what I needed to do. I used to be extra ready, mature and developed, and felt the second season could be extra profitable,” completed the USMNT star.

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