“Il primo” or “la prima”, then add a random object, “was Sardinian”. It has now become a catchphrase on social media. It also applies to famous people, for whom there are those who often find blood ties with someone on the island . It happened, just to give an example, also with Christopher Columbus.
And now it happens for Leo Messi, whose roots are planted in the ground, even, between Quartu and Pirri (not even Cagliari: Pirri, really).
It was Mario Fadda, sports historical researcher and regional delegate of the Italian Sports Society, who traced the family tree of the soccer world champion . In recent days in L'Unione Sarda he wrote:
“Lionel Messi and Cagliari apparently have nothing in common, but the folds of history often hide unexpected implications. The new world champion Messi has crowned a lifelong dream, giving his country a world title, third leader after Kempes and Maradona. Title also celebrated in Italy, because the bond between the two nations is in fact very strong. And among the many Italians who emigrated to Argentina, there was also Angelo Messi, Leo's great-great-grandfather who left in 1883. His brother Giovanni remained in Italy and another Angelo Messi, born in the Bergamo area, in Ponte San Pietro, in the July 1922. The young Angelo soon proves to be a talented footballer, he plays the role of right wing: he grows up in the local sports club, Pro Ponte, and in 1939-40 he makes his debut. In two years of Serie C dispute 19 appearances flavored by two goals. Meanwhile in Italy events precipitate, many young players receive the call to arms.
Among these was also the young Messi who arrived in Sardinia and remained here until 1947. After the air raids of 1943, Cagliari and many Sardinian cities began a slow recovery. In 1944-45, the 1st Division also resumed, Angelo Messi was signed by Pirri's neroazzurri. The Paulesi, thanks to the play of some talented young players, including Angelo Messi, Caddeo, Banchero and Salvatore Macis, ex rossoblù, manage to overcome the group. Unexpectedly in the final round Pirri will find himself leading the standings. Only the decisive clash in the middle of August 1945 will give the title to Cagliari. At the end of the season, the team dissolved and Messi moved to Quartu, the greens were building the team that would lead them to the Sardinian championship the following year.
