Vietnam midfielder Nguyen Hai Long described Lionel Messi and Barcelona as major inspirations behind his path into professional football, in an interview published by Sai Gon Giai Phong. The Hanoi FC player said Messi’s career was intertwined with the childhood memories of many players and supporters, making his Argentina farewell an emotional moment. Hai Long planned to wake early to watch the match presented as Messi’s goodbye to home fans. He also said choosing a single defining Messi moment was difficult because the forward had produced so many memorable achievements.