“He got very nervous and couldn’t talk” - When Argentina star commented on Garnacho idolising Cristiano Ronaldo despite playing with Lionel Messi
Argentinian winger Alejandro Garnacho's preference of Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi was mocked by his international teammates according to Leandro Paredes. The La Albiceleste midfielder had revealed in 2023 how he and his teammates teased the Manchester United youngster due to him idolising the Portuguese legend.
Alejandro Garnacho signed for Manchester United's academy as a 16-year-old back in 2020 from LaLiga side Atletico Madrid. Two years later, he made his senior debut for the club in October 2022.
During his breakthrough year, Cristiano Ronaldo was in his final months of his second Manchester United spell. The Argentinian is said to have been mesmerised by the five-time Ballon d'Or winner during his time with the club.
Garnacho's love for Cristiano extends to celebrations as well as he copies the 39-year-old's trademark 'Siu' celebration by jumping and turning in the air before putting his hands beside him while landing.
Garnacho's preference of Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi has led him to being teased with his national side. Speaking DSports, Paredes opened up about how they drove the 20-year-old crazy.
"We joked about it with him. He is very shy and does not answer. Poor guy, we drove him crazy. We also talked to him about what the group is, somehow we try to make them feel part of it and feel comfortable. Although in this case he got very nervous and couldn't talk," he revealed (via GOAL).
Paredes admitted that the team understood why he adored Ronaldo, but said that with the national team he had to change his preferences because of Argentina having Lionel Messi.
"But as he said, I think he [Cristiano Ronaldo] is his idol, he always followed him a lot and he plays quite similar. So it's normal, nothing happens. Obviously, when he comes to the national team he has to change a little bit because there is ours," said Paredes.
Garnacho made his international debut with Argentina back in June 2023 when he came off the bench during their 2-0 win against Australia. He has, so far, made seven appearances for the national side and yet to find the back of the net.
"Lionel Messi unfollowed Garnacho for being a Cristiano Ronaldo fan" - When Rio Ferdinand revealed the repercussions of Garnacho's preference
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand had revealed in November last year that Garnacho's preference of the Portuguese resulted in the Inter Miami star unfollowing him on Instagram.
Speaking on the Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand had said (via BeSoccer):
"Garnacho told me that Messi unfollowed him just because he makes no secret of preferring Ronaldo. He comes out, don't care, 'I'm a Ronaldo man'. Who's the GOAT? Ronaldo. [Even] when he's in the Argentina squad."
However, Garnacho's brother slammed Ferdinand for the claim stating that he needs to not make up rumours and added that Lionel Messi never unfollowed the Manchester United youngster.