Global football’s love affair with Roberto Baggio still burns as strong as ever following the calcio legend’s return to the United States.

Baggio, who led Italy to the final of the World Cup USA 94, was back on a pitch across the Atlantic, this time in the Bronx. The former Juventus star was at a grassroots event with Street Soccer USA, a non-profit organisation that uses football as a vehicle for social change, helping underprivileged kids and promoting equity through sport. 

“It was truly special to feel the passion for calcio here in New York,” said Baggio, after meeting young players and hearing their stories. “To return to the US after so many years and see how much love there is for Italian football is quite moving. 

“I want to thank Lega Serie A for bringing me here and for the important work they’re doing to grow the game and reconnect fans abroad with our footballing culture.

“Watching these kids play with joy and freedom reminded me of why I fell in love with the game in the first place. 

“Street Soccer USA is clearly doing incredible work, and I’m honored to be part of this experience. Initiatives like this, supported by Lega Serie A, show how soccer can truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

Baggio, a Serie A ambassador, was also a guest of honour at a rooftop reception in Manhattan where the league’s commercial partners and special guests from the Italian business community celebrated his contributions to the beautiful game.

He won a Serie A-Coppa Italia double with Juve, as well as the UEFA Cup, and added another league title during his spell with AC Milan. He lifted the Ballon d’Or in 1993 and it was his five goals in the knockout stage of the 1994 World Cup that steered his side to the final, where they lost on penalties to Brazil, with Baggio missing one of the spot-kicks. 

Baggio also represented Vicenza, Fiorentina, Bologna, Inter Milan and Brescia, and throughout his career he played with that joy and freedom he talked about at the Street Soccer event. He played to thrill, to make people smile. Like very few have, before or since. Lionel Messi is one, and it is the great Argentine’s reaction to meeting Baggio that speaks loudest about his standing.

Last month, at the start of the Club World Cup, Baggio paid Messi a visit at the Inter Miami training ground and presented him with one of his jerseys from the 1994 World Cup.

“When he saw it, he got emotional,” Baggio told The Athletic. “He caressed it, and folded it. It was a beautiful thing to see.”

Messi posted a picture of the pair on Instagram. The caption read: “What a wonderful visit! Thank you, Roberto, for this special and meaningful gift and for the lovely chat we shared. You are a crack and a football legend. It will always be a pleasure to welcome you whenever you want to come and see us.”

Baggio truly is a legend’s legend.