Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martiz says Messi would trade all seven of his Ballon d’Or awards for Argentina to win an international title. Emi said that Messi insisted on winning an international title for his country rather than personal achievements.
In an interview with Goal, Emiliano revealed how much Messi longed for an international title and was ready to do anything to get it.
“I really enjoyed playing with Messi. I will be very proud to tell my children and grandchildren when I am old. But even though we’re together, it’s really Leo who’s with us. That’s why all the people on this team are great.
We know what he has achieved in football and we respect that. But all he wanted was a title with the national team. He used to tell me that.
He would trade all his Ballon d’Or for a Copa America. I heard him say this on his way back to Argentina from Brazil with the Copa.
‘This is the one thing I wanted in my football career,’ he said. I said I want the same. At that moment I felt very proud to have helped make his dream come true. At club level he had achieved everything, but all the while he missed something,’ said Emiliano.
After the Copa America, Messi won the finalsima title by defeating the Euro Cup champions Italy and last December the World Cup crown for Argentina. This is the first time since 1986 that the World Cup title has reached Argentina.
Messi was also chosen as the best player in the World Cup. This is the first time a player has won the Golden Ball award in two different World Cups. Emiliano, the guardian angel of Argentina, received the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper, including in the World Cup final.
Content Highlight: Emiliano Martinez about Lionel Messi
