Ex-Maccabi Haifa Player Rukavytsya Recalls Olympic Encounter With Messi
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Former Maccabi Haifa player Nikita Rukavytsya shared memories of playing against Lionel Messi, stating their 2008 Olympic encounter was more memorable than a PSG match. Rukavytsya and Messi, born two days apart in the same year, stayed at the same hotel in Beijing and used the game room together. Argentina won the Olympic match 1-0, en route to a gold medal. Rukavytsya had a notable career in Israel, particularly with Maccabi Haifa.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Nikita Rukavytsya recalled his most memorable match against Lionel Messi was at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Rukavytsya and Messi, born two days apart in the same year, shared a hotel game room during the Olympics.
- Argentina defeated Australia 1-0 in the 2008 Olympic soccer match.
- Messi was a star player for Argentina, which won the gold medal.
- Rukavytsya had a significant career in Israel, especially with Maccabi Haifa.
Following Lionel Messi's farewell from the Argentine national team, former Maccabi Haifa player Nikita Rukavytsya shared personal memories of playing against the star. Rukavytsya posted on social media, including a picture of himself facing Messi during a Paris Saint-Germain match against Maccabi Haifa. However, he stated that this was not his most memorable encounter with Messi.
Rukavytsya, born just two days apart from Messi in the same year, recalled their most significant meeting during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Argentina defeated Australia 1-0 in that match, en route to winning the gold medal, with Messi being a key player on the Argentine squad. Rukavytsya, then 21, entered the game as a substitute and directly competed against Messi.
The memory extends beyond the field, as both national teams stayed at the same hotel in Beijing. Rukavytsya shared that the players would spend time together in the hotel's game room. He expressed gratitude for Messi's "magic" in the sport.
Rukavytsya built a long career in Israel, becoming a prominent striker for Maccabi Haifa. While his most memorable moment against Messi may not have occurred in Israel, his brief appearances against top players like Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé were undoubtedly unforgettable.