FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.07.2007 11:52

‘Messimania’ hits Venezuela

Jordi Clos

Barca’s Argentinean star Leo Messi is the second most popular player at the Copa America according to a poll at the tournament website, with only Mexico’s Nery Castillo receiving more votes.

With Argentina in the final, thanks in part to an exquisite second goal from Messi, the youngster could well end up as the tournament’s best player on the website vote, after being voted the man of the match in the semi-final against Mexico. Close on Messi’s heels in the voting are the Brazilian Robinho and ex-Barca man Riquelme.

Giovani also on top

In a similar poll for the World under-20 Championships in Canada, Barca’s Mexican youngster Giovani Dos Santos leads the popular vote ahead of USA’s Freddy Adu and Spain’s Adrián López. The Mexicans have already eliminated Marc Valiente and Toni Calvo’s Brazil.