Lionel Messi has sent a stirring message to his Argentina teammates and everyone involved in the national team ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final with Spain. The 39-year-old has led his country to another World Cup final, scoring eight goals as Argentina look to defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago.
Messi's Tournament Performance
The legendary forward has had an incredible tournament for someone of any age, but especially as he approaches 40, not just scoring but also providing the assists for both goals against England in the semi-finals. Sunday looks very likely to be his final World Cup outing and he has hailed the spirit within the Argentina camp ahead of the final, something that has been clearly on show during the knockout stages.
Team Unity Praised
Argentina's wins over Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England have all come through adversity in tense atmospheres, but they keep producing. Messi expressed his love for the group that keeps delivering on the biggest stage. 'The nicest thing about all these years was never just the titles, but all the path,' Messi wrote on Instagram. 'Share the day to day with this group, compete together, get up in the difficult moments and enjoy every step. Thanks to each of my teammates, the technical staff and all the people who work every day to keep this national team a family. Whatever happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story that we will never forget and that no one can erase. COME ON ARGENTINA.'
Golden Boot Race
Messi still has the chance to win the Golden Boot but will need another extraordinary performance in New Jersey on Sunday. Kylian Mbappe now leads the race with 10 goals, so Messi needs two to match the Frenchman’s tally and three to overtake him. In terms of tie-breakers, they are level on four assists, so if they end level on goals it will come down to how many minutes it has taken them to reach their tally. That is in Mbappe’s favour so Messi needs a hat-trick to sign off with perfection.
Ronaldinho's Praise
Brazil legend, and Messi’s former teammate at Barcelona, Ronaldinho agrees with the captain’s assessment of a special group of players. 'That’s Argentina for you, it’s the kind of football I love to watch, the dedication the players show in every match,' the Brazilian told Ge Globo. 'Argentina has always been like this, right? It’s pure grit, pure heart. It already has that reputation and, once again, it’s arriving in the same way. And there’s Messi, right, my friend? He can solve the team’s problems. The team has that humility. Everyone runs for him, they know when to give him the ball, and they’re aware that he can make the difference and decide a match. So, I think the unity they have is very beautiful to see.'
