Lionel Messi was showered with praise following Argentina’s win over Croatia
Lionel Messi struggled to hide his emotion after he was showered with praise by an Argentinean reporter following another spellbinding World Cup performance.
The 35-year-old is closing in on the one prize that has so far evaded him over the course of his trophy-laden career with just France or Morocco now standing between and sporting immortality.
Messi rolled back the years last night, tormenting Croatia and Josko Gvardio in particular, as he inspired Argentina to a 3-0 victory that booked their place in Sunday’s final.
After another man of the match display, his fourth of the tournament already, Messi was interviewed by Television Publica’s Sofia Martinez.
Rather than ply Messi with the usual post-match questions, Martinez offered a heartfelt message of gratitude to the man who has done more than most to put Argentina within touching distance of a first World Cup win since the Maradona inspired triumph back in 1986.
Martinez opened her interview by saying: ‘The last thing I want to tell you and is not a question, but I just wanted to say; the World Cup final is coming and sure, we all (Argentinians) want to the win the cup.
‘I just want to tell you that no matter the results, there’s something that no one can take from you and is the fact you resonated with Argentinians, every single one – I’m being serious.
‘There’s no kid who doesn’t have your team shirt. No matter if it is a fake, real or made up one.
‘Truly, you made your mark in everyone’s life and that to me is beyond winning any World Cup.
‘No one can take that from you and this is my gratitude for such amount of happiness you bring to a lot of people.
‘I seriously hope you take these words into your heart because I really believe that’s more important than winning a World Cup and you already have it so thank you captain.’
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Even the GOAT struggled to hold back his tears.
