Argentina fans hail Messi after reaching World Cup final
Lionel Messi will step out in the World Cup final on Sunday looking to banish the demons of eight years ago. The veteran was left broken after his country lost to Germany in 2014, insisting he’d give up all of his individual accolades for the ultimate golden gong. And that speaks volumes about his character as the icon looks to dance on the grandest of stages one last time…
It is almost written in the stars that Messi will complete his wonderful career by winning the World Cup, even if France represent the toughest test of the tournament so far.
The veteran has been in sparkling form in Qatar, scoring five goals to propel his country to the final where the defending champions lie in wait.
And Messi will be spurred on from the pain of 2014, when Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany courtesy of a late winner from Mario Gotze.
That year, the 35-year-old won the player of the tournament award - despite drawing a blank in the final.
And Messi admitted afterwards he’d give up everything he’s won before in favour of a World Cup trophy, showing how much he’s a team player - rather than someone who focuses on the individual prizes.
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Lionel Messi is primed to start against Argentina in France World Cup final (Image: GETTY)
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“Right now, nothing can console me - not the award or anything else. I wanted to take Argentina to the World Cup for all the people.
"I believe this World Cup deserved another final because we had chances. We reached the final... but we're disappointed not to have won this game. There's a lot of anger.
"There is sadness to finish in this way, I think we deserved a little more today.
“The better chances were ours and between the forwards we couldn't take them. We had three clear chances - mine, Pipa's (Gonzalo Higuain) and Rodrigo Palacio, but we couldn't get it."
Now, Messi will be out to make his mark in a World Cup final at the second attempt.