Gadzhiev: Messi Could Have Played for Anzhi During Kerimov Era

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Former USSR coach Gadzhi Gadzhiev has expressed that Argentina captain Lionel Messi could have joined Makhachkala's Anzhi during the era of Suleiman Kerimov, provided the project had continued. "Undoubtedly, Messi could have been at Anzhi during Kerimov's time if the project existed today. Moreover, comparing the time, it is much more suitable now than it was in 2013. Today is a more appropriate time for Makhachkala, as it is a completely different city than it was 15 years ago. Back then, Kerimov had to relocate the team to Moscow. They lived in Moscow and played in Makhachkala. The team was disconnected from the city and the republic, which inevitably had to end. Today there is an opportunity to be based in Makhachkala," Gadzhiev stated, according to "RIA Novosti." On June 22, Messi scored twice in a World Cup match against Austria (2-0), becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose (16). In 2011, Suleiman Kerimov became the owner of Anzhi, attracting stars like Samuel Eto'o and Roberto Carlos. In the 2012/2013 season, the Makhachkala team won bronze medals in the Russian championship. However, funding for the club sharply decreased later on, leading to the departure of key players and Gadzhiev's appointment as head coach. In the summer of 2022, Anzhi lost its professional status, but in early 2025, it was announced that the club would return to professional football, competing in the third division of Russia.

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