The veteran winger stands up for a fellow Argentine and weighs in on the latest football moments shaping the sport.
By Adrian Campmany
Juan Pablo Sorín, born in Buenos Aires in 1976, has a rare connection to the Qatar World Cup triumph. Before his stints with Juventus, Barcelona, PSG, Villarreal, and River Plate, he was part of the 1995 Argentina U-20 squad that clinched the title on Qatari soil. That triumph inspired a documentary, Once upon a time in Qatar. The former international joins in goal hours before its premiere at the Táctica Festival in Barcelona, running from May 4 to 7.
-What was it like making a documentary with your partner Sol Alac?
-It felt fantastic. It was our first joint feature film project after producing podcasts and TV shows. We captured moments with our physiotherapist Gerardo Salorio and our kinesiologist Raúl Lamas that have never been seen before. The title hints at a magical story that changed our lives. The film highlights the lasting value of integrity, especially in a period when youths face more questions than answers.
-How did you experience witnessing Argentina’s third World Cup from Qatar, especially with former teammates crowned champions?
I felt immense pride and happiness. Messi, Scaloni, Aimar, Walter Samuel, Ayala are good friends and wonderful people. The players celebrated our collective effort, and sharing that moment with family and colleagues made it even more meaningful. It is a memory that will stay with them forever.
-How has Messi’s journey with Argentina evolved?
-His story sends a powerful message to younger players. Stay persistent despite criticism or setbacks. Leo showed unwavering commitment, preparation, and talent. He delivered his best World Cup, leading with resolve in tough moments. The world wanted him to lift a World Cup, a universal sentiment that many believed would complete his career.
-You spoke to him when he debuted and later faced a difficult send-off after 47 seconds. What did that moment mean?
It was a bittersweet day. The team was thrilled for a debut, yet the moment carried a heavy weight as the referee shaped a somber mood. He entered at 18, and it was natural to wonder what lay ahead. Sorín told him that he could wear Argentina’s jersey for as long as he wished, a belief grounded in the remarkable feats he had already achieved in youth and in every match that followed.
-What are your thoughts on the insults aimed at Messi by PSG ultras?
The current moment stings. It is hard to predict what the near future will bring, but every wish is for Leo to be well. Leaving Barcelona proved tough, and PSG offered memorable chapters. The Champions League remains the dream, and each defeat cuts deep. The hostility feels unjust. A different ending for Leo and Paris would suit the affection I hold for both sides.
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-Your work includes a strong focus on women’s football. How do you view its growth and the achievements at Barcelona?
It brings joy to follow progress and to push for visibility of players, coaches, and media voices. The Copa América showcased the shift in power, with teams like Brazil no longer dominating the final. The rise of Colombia, Argentina, Paraguay, Venezuela reveals a broader momentum. Federations’ backing matters a lot. On the club side, Barca is a benchmark. The team shows hunger to win, whether in the current cycle with Lluís Cortés or today. Players like Alexia, Aitana, Mariona, Mapi, and Pina contribute to a remarkable squad, becoming a model for others.
-What lies ahead for Argentine football?
Argentina continues to attract players, but clubs must manage finances transparently to endure. The system often relies on selling young talents, a reality that needs careful oversight. The country bears a duty to nurture talent without undermining development at home.
-What struck you when you saw Nico Paz, not born in Argentina, cry after the U-20 World Cup elimination?
That moment underscored how these stories shape a young athlete. The documentary Once upon a time in Qatar captures many such experiences. For the players, the pain can be a learning curve. It is unfortunate to lose talents like Vitor Roque or Garnacho to clubs eager to retain them, yet it also signals a hopeful moment when the wider world can witness their potential.