Algerian midfielder Ibrahim Maza has opened up about his dream of playing at the FIFA World Cup and revealed his wish to swap shirts with football icon Lionel Messi if he ever gets the chance to face Argentina on the world’s biggest stage.
Speaking in an interview with the Bundesliga, the talented youngster reflected on the tournament that shaped his love for football and the stars he admired growing up.
For Maza, the 2014 FIFA World Cup remains his favourite edition, largely because of Algeria’s unforgettable clash with eventual champions Germany.
“For me, I think it’s the 2014 World Cup, just for the whole atmosphere and everything else, and especially the match between Algeria and Germany.”
Like many football fans, Maza remembers spending the tournament surrounded by family and friends, enjoying the unique atmosphere that only a World Cup can create.
“Most of the time, I watched it at home with my loved ones, my family and friends. It was really nice. We ate, we laughed, we joked around.”
The midfielder admitted that watching the world’s best players inspired him to dream big. After matches, he and his friends would often imagine themselves as some of football’s biggest stars.
“When we went onto the pitch afterwards, we all wanted to be like Neymar. We imagined ourselves as Messi or Neymar. In goal, you thought you were Neuer.”
Now an Algerian international himself, Maza is hoping those childhood dreams can become reality as he targets a place at a future World Cup with the Desert Foxes.
The prospect of facing defending world champions Argentina national football team only adds to his excitement, particularly because it could bring him face-to-face with Messi, one of his football idols.
“I hope I’ll get a good chance to play there too. The crazy thing is we’re playing against Argentina, and therefore against Messi, who I grew up watching.”
The young playmaker then delivered a heartfelt message to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“I’m going to try to get his jersey. I hope he sees this, maybe. Please, give me your jersey!”
For Maza, the journey from watching World Cups on television to potentially sharing a pitch with Messi represents the ultimate football dream. And if that dream comes true, he already knows the souvenir he wants to take home.
