Obed Vargas reveals surreal Lionel Messi clash in Leagues Cup win
Former Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas has revealed his disbelief at frustrating his childhood idol Lionel Messi during a tense Leagues Cup victory.
The Alaskan-born player faced a daunting task when he lined up against a star-studded Florida side last year.
He was tasked with overcoming the very icons he grew up emulating to secure crucial tournament success.
The highly-rated prospect ultimately delivered a brilliant performance that visibly angered his celebrated opponents.
Surreal confrontation with a legend
Tensions reached a boiling point after the Western Conference outfit took a decisive lead.
Television cameras captured a confusing exchange where the young American put his arm around the World Cup winner and smiled.
“I think if it had been someone else, maybe I would have gotten hooked on the confrontation,” Vargas told ESPN.
“Because it’s Messi, I laughed because the truth is what was going through my head is: ‘You are Messi, you are the best of all time in the world, you’re getting frustrated by me?'”
From admiring stars to battling them
The arrival of high-profile global talents to North America has created a unique dynamic for domestic competitors.
Many established professionals now find themselves tasked with aggressively pressing the very players who inspired their early careers.
The 19-year-old originally modelled his defensive game on Sergio Busquets before intensely studying attackers like Luis Suarez.
“My reaction was always, ‘Why did you get hooked on me? Why me? You can do whatever you want on the field,'” the teenager explained.
“The truth is, it was a moment where I didn’t know how to respond, but I knew I had to do my job and play well.”
A stepping stone to Europe
The commanding midfield display proved to be a fitting showcase of the youngster’s immense potential.
He lifted two trophies during his spell in the Pacific Northwest after emerging through the local reserve system.
Those impressive domestic performances ultimately earned the rising star a prestigious transfer to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid earlier this year.