Giuliano Simeone is enjoying a golden moment at Atletico Madrid as, at the age of 22, he is already a regular in the line-ups of Cholo Simeone, his father.

In the Atletico Madrid team, he has established himself as a key player and this is largely due to the wise advice of Lionel Messi that helped to change his way of seeing the game, according to the statements of Giuliano himself.

The advice from Messi that made a difference for Giuliano

The scene occurred during a friendly match between the Argentine national team and Chile last June, where Giuliano Simeone failed repeatedly in his attempt to score. It was then that Lionel Messi approached and gave him some advice that today seems to have changed his career.

"When Messi speaks you have to listen to him because he is the best. He told me to be calm, to take a little more time in the area because I was always going to find someone free to assist," Giuliano said after the recent 3-0 victory over Sevilla.

Since then, the young Argentine player has tried to put the advice into practice, taking his time in the box to improve his reading of the game. This change in mentality is now reflected in his outstanding performances in both LaLiga and the Champions League, where he has even been recognised as the team's MVP.

Giuliano Simeone, a key player in Atletico's plans

So far this season, Giuliano Simeone has played seven games, scored two goals and provided one assist. However, his greatest qualities are not his goalscoring ability or his ability to provide assists, but his intensity, commitment and ability to break down the right flank, qualities that have made him a perfect fit in Atletico's system.

Proof of these qualities is the second goal of the Colchoneros against Sevilla, a move that stems from Giuliano Simeone's recovery in the opponent's half.

"I stole the ball, took one more touch to the middle and saw Thiago on the penalty spot. When he pushed, it reminded me of the play against Osasuna. I watch my games to improve and be calmer," explained the player, showing a maturity unusual for his age.

Giuliano and not 'Simeone's son'

His surname opened doors for him, but it also raised doubts. However, time and his performance have erased any suspicion of favoritism, as in just 14 months, Giuliano went from being "Simeone's son" to being Giuliano, a player with his own identity, character and international projection.

"I just think about continuing to improve. Since I joined the first team, I knew who I wanted to be. And I want to be Giuliano," said the young man with a mixture of humility and determination.

With his determination, physical power and the advice of his international teammate Lionel Messi, the future looks bright for Giuliano.