Lionel Messi, winner of the World Cup in December with Argentina, felt “called” by the gold trophy after the final, he told Urbana Play radio in Buenos Aires on Monday.
“The World Cup called me, she said + Come and take me, because now you can touch me. + I saw her shining in this beautiful stadium (of Lusail) and I didn’t didn’t hesitate (when I decided to kiss him),” Messi said.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or would have preferred the Cup to be handed to him by his compatriot Diego Armando Maradona, but the latter died in 2020, without having been able to attend the Albiceleste’s third triumph in the queen competition.
“I would have been happy if Diego gave me the Cup, admitted the 35-year-old champion, so that he could at least see Argentina champion. He loved the selection so much. From up there, he gave me strength, just like many people who love me.”
“I won the World Cup after so much suffering and lost finals,” continues the Paris SG striker. “God had kept it for me.”
“I won everything”
Argentina won the final on penalties against France, after scoring two goals in regulation time (3-3). In his career, Messi had lost one World Cup final (2014) and three Copa America finals.
“Here, there is nothing left, I won everything with the selection, Barcelona, and individually,” added the Argentinian who, in addition to the World Cup, also won the Copa America with Argentina in 2021, in addition to four club Champions Leagues and multiple national titles with Barcelona and a French championship with Paris.
This article has been published automatically. Sources: ats / afp
