Tottenham star credits training with Lionel Messi for sensational goal in Spurs late draw against Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero claimed that his late goal against Newcastle United was heavily inspired by his time alongside Lionel Messi with the Argentina national team. The center-back scored twice as Spurs battled for a point at St. James’ Park on Tuesday, December 2.

Bruno Guimaraes opened the scoring in the 71st minute before Romero responded seven minutes later with a floating header. Four minutes from time, Anthony Gordon put the Magpies ahead again.

It appeared as though Tottenham were set for four consecutive defeats across competitions, but Romero once again came up clutch for the north London side in injury time with a brilliant overhead kick that slowly made its way past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

“The first goal was very important,” Romero told Sky Sports after the match. “In the last three or four games the team weren't good enough. It has been a difficult time but especially in this game I love the mentality.

Speaking about his overhead kick, Cristian Romero namedropped Lionel Messi, saying he learned the technique for his goal from his national teammate.

“Every day with Leo Messi in the national team I watch him, and it is a beautiful goal,” he added.

Romero and Messi are two key players in the Argentina national team. The duo helped La Albiceleste win the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and also guided the country to glory in the 2024 Copa America.

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero confident about Lionel Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup

With Argentina having sealed their spot in the 2026 World Cup, Cristian Romero will be gearing up to travel with La Albiceleste to North America as they look to defend the title. With age and fitness concerns catching up with him, Lionel Messi’s participation in the tournament has been surrounded by uncertainty.

Following Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela in Buenos Aires—Messi’s last qualifying match on home soil—the national team captain said his participation in the 2026 World Cup will come down to his fitness. A few days later in that same month, Romero expressed confidence that Messi will form part of their plans at another major tournament.

He said ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League opener with Villarreal in September:

“I can answer about Leo, I think he’s fit, I think he could easily take part. It’s his decision. We all enjoy playing with him, we all enjoy watching him play. For me, and for people who know about football, I think he’s the biggest player in history.

“I love having him as a team-mate in the dressing room and sharing moments with him. We’ve had some very happy times together. Of course, I think he’s going to be right for the World Cup. Of course he is.”

To date, Lionel Messi and Cristian Romero have featured together in the Argentina national team colours 38 times but have yet to combine for a goal.