A Hidden Treasure Surfaces
Former Argentina international Jonás Gutiérrez, known for his stints at Vélez Sarsfield and Newcastle United, surprised fans by posting an unseen video on his Instagram account from the Argentina national team's camp during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The footage, which has quickly gone viral, shows Lionel Messi and Maxi Rodríguez performing jaw-dropping juggling tricks with the Jabulani ball, while Martín Demichelis watches from the side.
The video, lasting approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds, was filmed by Gutiérrez himself, who admitted: “A video I had never shared before.” In the clip, Argentine folk music by Los Nocheros plays in the background. Messi, barefoot and seated on a chair, watches as Maxi Rodríguez, wearing sneakers, begins an incredible display of ball control. Then Messi takes over, elevating the moment to something sublime.
“The room with Martín Demichelis, then Maximiliano Rodríguez walks in and starts doing incredible juggling, and then Lionel Messi takes over and lifts the moment to something sublime. Impossible to stop watching this video,” Gutiérrez wrote in his post.
He also joked: “I want you to know that I was the one filming, and I didn't want Leo to feel inferior if I started doing my own juggling with the Jabulani.”
Sergio Agüero's Reaction
The video quickly drew reactions, with Sergio Agüero among the first to comment: “He has a magnet on his feet,” referring to Messi's extraordinary touch.
A Video with a Farewell Flavor
The timing of Gutiérrez's post was particularly poignant, coming days after Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31, 2026, following the World Cup final against Spain. In his farewell letter, Messi mentioned the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on August 8 in Rosario.
This video, recorded 16 years ago, captures a young Messi during a World Cup camp and serves as an emotional reminder of his time with the national team.
The 2010 World Cup Context
In South Africa 2010, Argentina was coached by Diego Maradona, and Messi wore the number 10 shirt. The team topped their group (1-0 vs Nigeria, 4-1 vs South Korea, 1-0 vs Greece), eliminated Mexico in the Round of 16 (3-1), and fell 4-0 to Germany in the quarterfinals. Messi did not score in that tournament, but his talent was already undeniable.
The Controversial Jabulani
The Jabulani ball, used in that World Cup, was heavily criticized by players and goalkeepers for its unpredictable flight. Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera called it “the worst I've played with,” while Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon described it as “a disgrace.” Despite the criticism, Messi and Maxi Rodríguez proved that with skill, even the most difficult ball can be mastered.
Viral Impact
The video went viral within an hour. Gutiérrez's post has amassed over 26,000 likes, been shared more than 4,000 times, and surpassed 233,000 views.
Messi's Legacy with Argentina
Messi, who won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, and the 2022 Finalissima, also played in the World Cup finals of 2014 and 2026. His legacy with the national team is indelible, and this video is another gem for fans to cherish.
Undoubtedly, this video moves fans and demonstrates once again why Messi is considered one of the greatest footballers in history.