Keanu Baccus wants to end the season of his dreams by snapping up Lionel Messi’s shirt.
The St Mirren midfielder is relaxing this week after a long campaign which saw him play a key role in leading the Buddies to a top-six Premiership finish after starring for Australia in the Qatar World Cup.
The Socceroos were knocked out in the round of 16 by Argentina who went on to lift the trophy after beating France in a dramatic final on penalties.
However, there looks set to be a chance of revenge next month with the Aussies pencilled in to face Messi and Co. on Thursday, June 15 in Beijing, China.
And, if he keeps his place in the squad, Baccus’ eyes will be locked on maestro Messi’s jersey, after not being quick enough to get the prized item following their World Cup showdown.
“I’m going to relax for a week or so and then I’ll get back into things,” said Baccus as Saints rounded off their top-flight campaign with a 3-0 defeat at home to Rangers on Saturday. We might have a game in mid-June against Argentina.
“It will be played in Beijing. It will be good to go up against them again, but we’ll see if I’m selected in the squad.
“I’ll try to beat Cammy Devlin [Hearts midfielder] to Messi’s shirt this time!
“Because it’s a friendly it might be a bit easier this time. We won’t be starstruck or caught up in the moment, so hopefully.”
Baccus admitted dealing with the radically different climates was a mid-season challenge once his Qatar adventure was over.
The 24-year-old said: “The weather was probably the hardest thing. You can’t prepare yourself from being in the sun to minus 10C. I’ve never had that in my life. It was probably the toughest part.
“Once you get used to it, it’s football. You get used to it, you love it and you do the same thing.
“The World Cup mid-season taught me a lot of things. You’ve got to keep your body in tip-top shape and sort of mentally stay ready and well.”
Baccus has enjoyed his time in Paisley and such has been his form that there will be interest from other clubs.
He added: “It’s been a tremendous year. Everyone in there really welcomed me from the get-go. That gave me the chance to do my thing.
“Ultimately we wanted more after the split, but it wasn’t to be. I’ll see where the future takes me but who knows?
“Every player wants to progress and help their family. It’s not all about that but it’s what we want to do at the end of the day.
“We will see if there are any options. We’ll talk to the club and see what happens.”
Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
