The rain prevented Alan Brandi and Mati Rosa from hosting the futsal clinic that was scheduled to take place at Plaza de la Constitución in Málaga as part of the BRAND Sport Weekend. Instead, the two Argentines from Jaén Paraíso Interior FS visited the Centre Pompidou, where they spoke with Vicente Ortega about their goals, their fulfilled and yet-to-be-fulfilled dreams, and, of course, about Messi—after all, they are both proud Argentines.
Alan and Mati recently finished as runners-up with Argentina at the last World Cup. Argentina, a futsal powerhouse, has reached the finals of the last three World Cups. Although Brandi was born in Spain and could have played for La Roja, his Argentine roots called to him. “I come from many places, but my parents’ homeland had a special pull. Even though I’ve lived my whole life in Spain, playing for Argentina was a dream come true,” he explained in Málaga.
Despite not winning the title, both players have fond memories of the last World Cup. “It was my first World Cup—an unforgettable experience. In time, we’ll look at it with more appreciation: three straight finals, one of which we won. People support us, and our work helps futsal in Argentina grow,” said Mati. Alan, who won the 2016 World Cup with two goals in the final, shared his thoughts: “That was the best moment of my career,” he recalled.
MESSI, HIS IDOL
Like most Argentines who love soccer, their faces light up when talking about Leo Messi. Could Messi succeed in futsal? Alan, who is also a journalist and often compared to Messi in football terms, responded: “Of course, he’d be good at anything, even basketball. It’s nice that people make these comparisons, but Messi is unique. I would love to be like him, but there’s no one like Messi. For me, he’s the best of all time,” he reflected.
Brandi also had kind words for his teammate Mati: “They say he’s my successor, as we play the same position. Honestly, I think he’s even better—he’s incredibly talented. This summer, he had several offers but thankfully stayed.” Mati is content with his team: “In Jaén, many kids look up to us, ask for photos, and follow us. We’re definitely role models.” As for their goals? “To win a title with Jaén and keep progressing with the national team, step by step.” With caution and humility, but always competing. It takes two to tango.