Ahead of the Kosovo match – Xherdan Shaqiri: “This has always been my dream” – Sport

For Xherdan Shaqiri, the match against Kosovo is a private matter. Two days before kick-off, he was full of anticipation.

Chicago’s Xherdan Shaqiri came to the National Camp in the quiet village of Reeds in canton Valais. The Swiss has long been the highest earner in the league since arriving in Major League Soccer (MLS) in February 2022, but has recently lost that position to Lionel Messi. The Argentine not only managed to remake Inter Miami, but also created an incredible sensation in soccer in the USA.

Shaqiri also expressed his admiration for the “Messi effect”. “The euphoria is so great. You can also see how many stars are attending the games. Suddenly, soccer is very popular,” explained the 31-year-old. Shaqiri is not surprised that Miami, thanks to Messi, has gone from relegation favorite to title contender: “In the MLS, anyone can beat anyone. If you suddenly have four or five really good players, that makes a huge impact.”

I can’t wait to be in the stadium where I was born. This has always been a dream of mine.

Now Shaqiri is fully focused on the national team. With the first leg in Kosovo, there is a special poster for the attacking player. Switzerland have played against Kosovo only once, a friendly match in Letzigrund last year that ended in a 1-1 draw. But on Saturday it will be serious, it’s about points in the European Championship qualifiers.

“It will be a special match,” Shaqiri admitted. The anticipation is high: “I can’t wait to be in the stadium where I was born. It’s always been a dream for me. It’s great to be able to experience that with the Swiss national team.”