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Argentina captain Lionel Messi said he was “very happy” that his last World Cup game would be in the final on Sunday, dispelling any concerns about his fitness.
Messi scored and set up Julian Alvarez at Lusail’s iconic stadium on Tuesday night to beat Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals, to set up a formidable final against either France or Morocco.
The 35-year-old, whose five goals in Qatar can only be equaled by Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe, has given himself one last chance to win the only title he has eluded.
“I’m very happy to finish my World Cup journey and play the last game in the final. It’s really very interesting,” he said.
“Everything I experienced at the World Cup was emotional, seeing how much fun it was in Argentina.
Photo: Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to their 3-0 semi-final victory over Croatia
“There are a lot of years from this year to the next. I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. To finish this way is great.”
Messi also played down injury concerns. He was seen assessing his thigh throughout the semi-final, but said it was no problem.
“I feel really good, I feel strong and ready to play every game,” he added.
Scaloni: It’s an honor to coach Messi
Lionel Scaloni wept after Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to the World Cup final and said it was “a great honor to coach him”.
Messi’s teammate with Argentina at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Scaloni says the performance of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner moves the entire nation forward.
“It’s an honor to coach him and see him play,” said the Argentina coach. “Every time you see him play it’s a great source of motivation for his teammates, the fans and the whole world.”
“It’s not easy because we arrived tired but the group got stronger again and we played a solid game. I’m enjoying it a lot. I feel very happy at this World Cup and I’m able to help the team.
“Every game since then has been a final and we have now won five finals in a row. Hopefully that will be the case on Sunday as well.”
The striker, who was part of the Argentina squad that lost in the 2014 final to Germany in Brazil, said the shock defeat in the opening match against Saudi Arabia had made Argentina stronger and praised his team mates’ reaction.
Photo: Messi scores a penalty kick against Croatia in the World Cup semi-final
“I would say the first game,” he said [the defeat against Saudi Arabia] It was a big blow because we were unbeaten in 36 matches. To start this way in the World Cup, we didn’t think we would lose to Saudi Arabia.
“It was a tough test for the whole team but we proved how strong we are. We won the other games and what we did was very difficult. Every game was a final and we knew if we didn’t win it would make things difficult for us.
“We’ve won five finals and I hope that will be the case for the final on Sunday. We lost the first match because of the small details but it helped us to be stronger.”
Neville: Messi on mission Photo: Messi celebrates after teammate Julián Alvarez scored Argentina’s third goal
Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville says Messi does well when important at the World Cup in Qatar.
Messi’s lack of World Cup wins has been the only real criticism of the former Barcelona forward when it comes to the debate over the world’s greatest footballer, with Diego Maradona and Pele lifting the trophy.
Neville says Argentina’s determination allows Messi to have the perfect platform for production at the other end of the pitch.
“It’s important for him in the World Cup, for him and for the rest of his team,” Neville told ITV.
“They’re very collegial around him with their way of playing. They’re almost saying, ‘We’re going to keep a clean sheet, we’re going to be terrible to play against, we’re going to do everything right and then you win the game and that’s what happens.
He added, “Argentina have 10 fighters and geniuses up front. They have the best fans in the tournament as well. They have developed in the tournament.”
“It’s important. One is.” [Messi] He delivers on his own for now.”
Martinez: We’re up against the rest of the world
Emiliano Martinez says Argentina’s “Fighters” are ready for one last fight in their quest for World Cup glory as he believes “everyone wanted us to lose”.
“I can’t believe it,” said Martinez, the Argentina goalkeeper. “We lost the first game. Suddenly everything is upside down. People are doubting us. It’s clear that we’ve lost a 36-match unbeaten streak.
“The first half was a bit sloppy against Mexico. Everyone wanted us to lose, so it’s us against the rest of the world.
Argentina fans celebrated reaching the World Cup Final in the early hours of this morning in Buenos Aires!
“I am very happy because this group of players are all fighters and we have 45 million Argentines behind us.
“It’s amazing. We feel the crowd in the streets – they’re all full of Argentinians. Every time we play at home, we feel like home.
“There are 40,000, 50,000 Argentines in every stadium. We are very happy to have them.”
Asked who he would prefer in the final – France or Morocco – Martinez told beIN Sports: “Whatever. They both had amazing performances, they are two different teams.
“They’re both really good so whoever comes in will be a World Cup finalist, so we know it’s going to be tough.”
Can Messi end the goat controversy? Image: Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni kisses Lionel Messi
Zenny Boswell from Sky Sports:
For a long time, the big question mark over Lionel Messi’s status as the goat was his failure to win the World Cup.
Aside from his unparalleled achievements – seven Ballon d’Or titles, four Champions Leagues and even winning the Copa America two years ago – it can always be said that he never managed to do what Diego Maradona could in 1986.
The extra-time defeat by Germany in the 2014 World Cup Final in Brazil looked like it might be his last chance. The one who escaped, perhaps.
But at the age of 35, Messi rose to the occasion for one last dance. He is out to settle the debate once and for all.
Danny Mills and Chris Boyd discuss whether Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time as they look to win their first World Cup with Argentina
It wasn’t without the challenge either. Remember, it all started with Saudi Arabia’s defeat in Argentina’s opening match 21 days ago. The rival fans were shouting, “Where’s Messi?!” Then.
He’s in the final now.
Messi scored in all three of Argentina’s World Cup knockout matches, leading them to Australia, the Netherlands and Croatia. No player has scored more than five goals in Qatar.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward has mastered this rich context of form to perfection. His penalty shot was emphatic and his dribbling for the third goal mesmerizing. This is his moment.
Messi may roam around the field, but he can’t be stopped. Sunday wins and becomes eternal without a doubt.
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