Causi Art has painted a new mural of Lionel Messi in Buenos Aires. All photos by Buenos Aires Street Art.
Messi mural painted by Causi Art in San Telmo (photo © BA Street Art)
The new artwork by the Peruvian street artist (real name Mario Abad) features Messi celebrating his goal in the World Cup quarter-final by cupping his ears while staring at the Netherlands bench and their coach Luis Van Gaal. Argentina went on to win on penalties after the match finished 2-2 after extra-time. The same gesture was made by ex-Argentina midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme while he was playing under Van Gaal when they were both at Barcelona. Despite his great talent and being regarded as perhaps Argentina’s most talented player after Diego Maradona and Messi, Riquelme was regularly played out of position by Van Gaal before being loaned out to Villareal.
Messi cupping his ears during World Cup quarter-final against Netherlands (photo © BA Street Art)
Messi was angry at Van Gaal feeling that the Dutchman had shown a lack of respect towards the Argentine players. “I feel disrespected by Van Gaal after his pre-game comments and some Dutch players spoke too much during the game,” Messi told reporters after the match.
New mural in San Telmo featuring the Argentine footballing icon (photo © BA Street Art)
Argentina celebrating winning their third World Cup trophy last month after beating France on penalties in the final. And Messi was named the tournament’s best player.
New mural in San Telmo featuring Angel Di Maria (photo © BA Street Art)
Mario has also painted a mural in San Telmo of another Argentine World Cup-winning hero, Angel Di Maria. Di Maria won a penalty, converted by Messi, before scoring to put Argentina 2-0 ahead in the final and was one of his team’s best players before being substituted.
Mural with Di Maria and heart celebration (photo © BA Street Art)
Also check out our exclusive interview with street artist Mario Abad
All photos © Buenos Aires Street Art
