Lionel Messi was reportedly pretty taken up with Tottenham Hotspur\u2019s new centre back Christian Romero after playing with him for Argentina during the Copa America this summer.<\/p>\n
The Athletic\u2019s report revealed all about Messi and Romero\u2019s relationship on the pitch, even stating that the 34-year-old Argentina skipper\u2019s fondness for the defender developed so much that when returning to the Camp Nou after the tournament, his primary aim and desire were to bring Romero with him.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately it was Spurs in the end that got the upper hand and managed to secure the signing of Romero ahead of the La Liga giants, and Messi himself eventually left Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain.<\/p>\n
Romero only made his debut for Argentina on June 4 but stepped in to play a big part in their Copa America win, which was Messi\u2019s first major trophy with his nation. The central defender only played three games in the tournament but started the final and kept a well-earned clean sheet against rivals Brazil.<\/p>\n
After seeing his performances for Argentina, Messi was reportedly desperate to get Romero\u2019s \u2018aggression and physicality\u2019 into Barcelona\u2019s defence.<\/p>\n
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