Lazio Star Recalls the First Time He Met Leo Messi: “The Only One I Cared to See”

The Laziali

·6 March 2025

Lazio Star Recalls the First Time He Met Leo Messi: “The Only One I Cared to See”

Lazio striker Taty Castellanos reveals how delighted he was to finally meet his idol Lionel Messi after earning his first call-up for Argentina.

The Background

Like an entire generation of young Argentinians, the 26-year-old grew up watching and idolizing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, dreaming of becoming a protagonist for the Albiceleste as well. However, the road wasn’t always easy for the Mendoza native who had to go through a host of clubs between Chile, Uruguay and the United States before finally earning a move to Europe.

OneFootball Videos

Following his stint at Girona, Lazio decided to bet on the striker in the summer of 2023, identifying him as the long-term replacement for their all-time leading goal-scorer Ciro Immobile.

Castellanos Rising to the Occasion

But while his first campaign in the Italian capital wasn’t perfect by any means, Castellanos is proving to be a brilliant coup on Angelo Fabiani’s part, now cementing himself as the club’s main goal threat while attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Speaking of winning bets, Solana crypto provides investors with the opportunity to safely trade while significantly boosting their earnings, so make sure to check out the link for further information.

The First Call-up

This term, it only took Castellanos a few impressive outings to win over his national team manager. Therefore, Lionel Scaloni decided to hand the Lazio star his first call-up in September. This allowed the striker the opportunity to link up with some of the best footballers in the world. But upon his arrival, the former Girona man only had eyes for Messi.

Taty Castellanos Was Delighted to Finally Meet Leo Messi

In an interview released by D Sports (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Castellanos reveals how his first encounter with the Inter Milan superstar ensued.

It was a crazy experience. Obviously, everyone wants to be there, get to know the environment, and above all, get to know Leo Messi. I wanted to see him and meet him in person. And yes, I got the chance to greet him. I remember arriving with Lautaro Martínez , we were on the same flight from Italy. We arrived late, around 11pm, at the training centre. The boys had just finished dinner, and he was there with all the technical staff. I went to greet him. He was the first person I met… and he was also the only person I really cared to see at that moment. And suddenly, it was Messi in front me! He greeted me in a very cordial and respectful manner.

Castellanos hasn’t been included in Argentina’s squad for the upcoming international break, as he’s still nursing an injury he sustained last month.