SERDANG: A strong admiration for Argentine legend Lionel Messi is shaping Selangor women's football team winger S. Thivashini into one of the standout players at the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
The 20-year-old was among the scorers as Selangor thrashed Perak 5-1 in the semi-finals at the Selayang Stadium, setting up a rematch with Sabah in Wednesday’s (Aug 19) final.
Now she hopes to cap her fine individual display with a gold. And Messi is always on her mind as Thivashini visualises a glorious end to her team's campaign.
"I’ve admired Messi since the first day I started liking him as a player. I love his dribbling, creativity and intelligence on the pitch, but I also admire how humble and genuine he is as a person despite everything he has achieved," she said.
Thivashini added that she has tried to carry that humility and work ethic into her own game.
That persistent effort is paying off handsomely.
In the semi-final match, Thivashini managed to produce something special for her parents watching from the stands – particularly her father, Sivakumar, who is very passionate about the game.
''The goal I scored is for my dad. It is his birthday today and he is also recovering from a leg fracture, so it was nice to score in front of him,'' she said.
"I pray for his speedy recovery as I miss playing football with him.
"My parents have played a huge role in my career. They have supported me from the beginning, through both the good and difficult moments.
''And they have always encouraged me to keep going," she said, adding that their backing was especially important as she recovered from an ACL injury a year ago.
RESULTS
Men's quarter-finals: Pahang bt Sabah 1-0, Perak bt Kedah 1-0, Johor bt Terengganu 2-1.
Women's semi-finals: Selangor bt Perak 5-1, Sabah bt Pahang 1-0.
