Indonesian naturalized goalkeeper unfazed by Japan clash after facing Messi

Maarten Paes (R) shakes hands with Lionel Messi after FC Dallas' 4-4 draw against Inter Miami in the League Cup in 2023. Photo by MLS

Japan, currently the top team in Asia and 15th in the world, have dominated since the second qualifying round, winning nine of 10 matches with 39 goals scored and having only conceded once. Their lineup boasts talented players from European leagues, including Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) and Takumi Minamino (Monaco). Japan are also 115 places above Indonesia in FIFA ranking.

However, Paes remains calm and confident, thanks to his experience playing against strikers in Major League Soccer (MLS) of the U.S.

"I’m not afraid of Japan. I’ve already faced Messi," Paes said before Indonesia’s training session on Nov. 11. "This is my job and I will prepare as I always do."

Since Messi’s move to Inter Miami in July 2023, Paes has faced the Argentine superstar twice. In a League Cup match last year, which FC Dallas drew 4-4 against Miami in full time, Messi netted twice past Paes and later scored in a penalty shootout to secure the win. Paes later kept a clean sheet in a friendly where Dallas defeated Miami 1-0 in January 2024.

Indonesia also lost 0-2 to Argentina in a friendly in June 2023 but Messi did not play in that match.

Paes, who is of Dutch descent with an Indonesian grandmother, completed his naturalization in September 2024, making him eligible to represent Indonesia. He has started in all four of Indonesia's matches in the third qualifying round, showcasing his talent with crucial saves in draws against Saudi Arabia, Australia and Bahrain.

The 25-year-old, who began his career in the Netherlands with clubs like Utrecht and represented the country’s U19, U20 and U21 teams, is confident about Indonesia’s upcoming match against Japan.

"Japan is a great challenge for us to display our strengths," Paes said. "They are a top team, but we’ll prove we can defeat any opponent."

After three draws and a loss, Paes believes Indonesia are ready for a victory.

Competition in group C is intense and a win against Japan would mark a significant step forward as Indonesia aim to secure at least fourth place to advance to the next qualifying round.

Japan, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, have shown respect for Indonesia, although the level gap is huge between the two teams.

"Indonesia respect but also want to beat Japan," Japan forward Ritsu Doan said after arriving for training in Indonesia on Nov. 11. "We need to be prepared for their challenging spirit."

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo also looked forward to meet Football Association of Indonesia president Erick Thohir, his former boss at Italian club Inter from 2013-18. Arriving in Jakarta on Monday, Nagatomo was surprised by the warm welcome.

"I’m jealous of Indonesian football and feel like a Hollywood star," Nagatomo said.