Barcelona striker has already asked his cousin Maxi for a Flamengo shirt

Messi said he will come to Rio to watch a Flamengo game at Maracanã

THIAGO ASMAR - Lance

When Messi said he was Flamengo's newest illustrious fan because of his cousin Maxi's signing, he wasn't joking. In an interview with LANCE!, the Argentina national team and Barcelona star assured that he follows the club's results online and even made a point of asking his cousin for a jersey from his new team.

Regarding Maxi's invitation for Messi to come to Rio to watch a Flamengo game at Maracanã, the Argentines' biggest idol at the moment didn't even stutter in his response:

"I'm going to Maracanã to watch Flamengo play. But Maxi has to be on the field. I just need to check when I can make this visit." Messi also spoke about the Flamengo fans' song, which says Maxi is better than him.

L! You told LANCE! during the Copa América that you'd be supporting Flamengo after your cousin signed. What's life like as a Flamengo fan?

Messi: I can't watch the games much, but when I can, I check the results online. I've always been very close to Maxi and, as a result, I've grown fond of Flamengo.

L!: And the shirt, do you have it yet?

Messi: Not yet, but I have to ask Maxi. I'll call him and ask. I want the jersey of my new team in Brazil.

L!: Maxi said he'll invite you to watch a Flamengo game at Maracanã. Will you accept the invitation?

Messi: Of course. I'll still support Flamengo at Maracanã. And I hope to have the jersey to wear it by then. The only obstacle will be the schedule. But when I have time, I'll go to Rio. That will probably be next year.

L!: Flamengo fans already have a song saying Maxi is better than Messi. Will you sing it when you go to Maracanã?

Messi: Why wouldn't I sing? It's great to see my cousin becoming an idol for such a respected fan base. I've heard that the player's song (Obina) is better than Eto'o's. But I'd never heard this one. I was really happy to hear that.

L!: And do you agree with the song?

Messi: I've never liked comparisons, especially when they involve my family. I prefer to play soccer and hope my whole family succeeds.

L!: Maxi said that Bruno, his 10-year-old younger brother, has a future. Do you agree?

Messi: Bruno is still too young to talk about that. We can't pressure him. But he does have potential, and I hope he'll be another member of the family to succeed on the field. However, he still has a long way to go. It's not easy to become a great football player.

L!: Has Maxi ever told you anything about the red-and-black fans? What did he say?

Messi: Definitely. I'd heard about the greatness of Flamengo's fans before. But now I'm certain of it. Maxi told me that a packed Maracanã is wonderful and that I would love it. He said he'd never seen anything like it.

L!: And about the Flamengo club, has he said anything yet?

Messi: Yes. He said that the group is united and that all his teammates tried to help him.

L! If you come to Rio, what else would you like to see besides Maracanã?

Messi: The city's beaches and other attractions. Ronaldinho himself spoke highly of the city. It must be really cool.

L! Speaking now of Barcelona, ​​you're in a very good moment...

Messi: I'm dedicating myself more and more to securing my place in a group with so many great players. I'm happy for the success, but I know no one at Barcelona is guaranteed a spot.

L! How is your relationship with Eto'o and Henry?

Messi: The best possible. Besides being great players, they're excellent people.

L! And Ronaldinho?

Messi: As I said, he's like an older brother. He was the one who welcomed me at the beginning of my career. Besides being a friend, he's my biggest idol.