'I wasn't going to make the decision for Lionel Messi' - Feyenoord sensation Santiago Gimenez explains why he chose to represent Mexico over Argentina

The 22-year-old forward is earning plenty of plaudits at present, with the 20-goal mark already reached for Dutch outfit Feyenoord in the 2023-24 campaign. Those exploits are seeing the talented frontman linked with leading sides across Europe.

While questions are being asked of his club future, Gimenez is fully committed to Mexico at international level. He was born in Buenos Aires and could have pledged allegiance to the 2022 World Cup winners, but he moved to Mexico as a child and has no regrets at favouring El Tri over the Albiceleste.

Gimenez has told TyC Sports of that decision, which has prevented him from gracing the same side as an all-time great with eight Ballons d’Or to his name: “I don't lie, I love Messi, he is an animal, he is the best in history, but it is better to play against him. I love him, I think he is the best player in history, but I was not going to make the decision for Messi, I was going to make it with my heart... I am happy with the decision.”

Gimenez, who has scored four goals through 24 appearances for Mexico, has seen a Premier League transfer speculated on with another window in England now open – with Chelsea and Arsenal said to form part of his ever-growing fan base.