Juan Pablo Sorín: "The Russian team's game is a surprise for me"

The captain of the national team of Argentina, in which Messi once started, for the trip to the FIFA Fan Festival™ in St. Petersburg chose to move the interviews to Argentine television in his schedule

- It's fun here! It is evident that people enjoy being in this square. There is a very good atmosphere here, and all are very friendly.

- Is it true that your grandfather came from Odessa and that you were told a lot about our country before? What did you know about Russia before coming here?

- It's not quite true. My great-grandfather lived in Russia before the revolution. That is, I have roots. However, I get an impression about Russia right now. I would like to thank everyone who organizes this football festival and volunteers; this is very important.

- Let's remember one more moment from your biography. You were the captain of the national team of Argentina when Messi started his football career. What were your impressions of his game then?

- It was a great success for me to have been the captain of the team, in which there was such a grandiose football player as Messi. He's a very good man, I've seen his football evolution. I remember his first goal for the national team at his first World Cup; how he was glad about it. I hope that he will be able to lead the team forward. Messi is the symbol of our team.

- What did you say to the team then to inspire all its players to win? What would advise you the captain of the Russian team to tell before the game with Spain?

- No additional motivation for all serious players - those who wear the Argentinian national team shirt - do not need it. Those words that the captain says, must go from the heart. In the Russian team, there are great players - Cheryshev, Fernandez and Dzyuba. For me, the team's game was a surprise, and on July 1st there will be a good, fighting encounter against the Spaniards.

- In St. Petersburg, Argentina was always more supported than Brazil. Now in FC "Zenit"there are already five players from your country. Do you feel any special aura here?

- I think that the fact that five of our guys play for “Zenit” is very good (smiles). St. Petersburg  is a very beautiful multicultural city, and this certain "feature" is felt unambiguously.