Dani Alves criticizes treatment of Lionel Messi in Argentina

Former Brazilian footballer Dani Alves has criticized the treatment Lionel Messi received in Argentina prior to winning major titles with the national team. Speaking during a visit to the province of Salta, Alves stated, “In Argentina, he has not been treated as he deserved.”

Alves, who played alongside Messi at Barcelona, noted that the captain only received full recognition from his home country after consolidating his legacy through recent international successes.

Alves is currently in Argentina conducting a tour organized by the Estilo de Vida Foundation, which combines sporting, social, and religious activities. Now working as an evangelical preacher, his agenda in Salta has included media interviews, charity football matches, autograph signings, and delivering sermons at local institutions. During his public appearances, he also reflected on his period of pretrial detention in Spain following sexual assault allegations.