
“Been Through Tough Situations…”: Lionel Messi Reacts After Argentina Enters FIFA World Cup Final
Lionel Messi urged his teammates to “enjoy” the occasion after Argentina breezed past Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday to set up a World Cup final against France or Morocco. Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi set Argentina on their way with a first-half penalty before Julian Alvarez scored twice at Qatar’s Lusail stadium, where Sunday’s final will be held. “Argentina are, once again, in the World Cup final. Enjoy it!” said Messi. “We’ve been through tough situations, other very good ones. Today we’re experiencing something spectacular.”
Messi’s fifth goal of the tournament means he overtakes Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s top goalscorer at World Cups — he now has 11 goals. “I’m enjoying it with all these people (fans in Qatar) and all the Argentines that are in our country,” he said. “I imagine it must be crazy there.”
Argentina arrived in Qatar as one of the tournament favourites but doubts crept in after they lost their opening group game 2-1 against outsiders Saudi Arabia.
“We knew what we could do, we were confident,” said the Paris Saint-Germain forward. “We knew we weren’t the favourites but no one gave us any presents — we deserved everything we’ve got.”
Alvarez, who began the tournament on the bench but has now scored four goals in four games, said the team deserved the win.
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul said Argentina’s victory in the Copa America last year, when they beat Brazil 1-0 in the final in the hosts’ Maracana fortress, had given them the belief they could go all the way in Qatar.
More Stories
Emmanuel Macron Intervened To Ask French Team To Greet Fans: Federation
President Emmanuel Macron intervened to ask France's footballers to greet fans after their defeat in the World Cup final, leading...
Fan Gloom As Argentina World Cup Victory Parade Ends Abruptly
Millions of jubilant fans turned out Tuesday to welcome home Argentina's World Cup winners led by Lionel Messi, but most were...
Aborted World Cup Bus Parade A Snapshot Of Argentina’s Charm And Vice
Millions of Argentines who crammed the streets of Buenos Aires to celebrate an unforgettable moment with Lionel Messi and his World Cup...
Morocco World Cup Team Arrives Home To Heroes’ Welcome
Tens of thousands of Moroccans thronged the capital on Tuesday to welcome home their national football team, the first Arab...
Argentina World Cup Winners Forced To Abandon Bus Parade, Take Chopper Ride Due To Massive Crowds
Argentina's World Cup winners were forced to abandon their open-top bus parade around Buenos Aires due to the massive crowds...
‘We Can Dream Again’: Song That Marked Argentina’s WC Campaign
"Muchachos, we can dream again..." the hit song that accompanied Argentina on their conquest of the 2022 World Cup has found...