Speaking ahead of Argentina’s first FIFA World Cup 2022 encounter against Saudi Arabia, Lionel Messi has admitted that he will try to fulfill his dream of winning the coveted competition.
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The former Barcelona captain won his first-ever major trophy with Argentina last year when he led them to the Copa America 2021 triumph.
And, now, heading into his fifth career World Cup, which he admits will be his last, the 35-year-old, Messi has his sights set on fulfilling the ultimate dream.
“This World Cup is special for me because it is the last one. I will try to fulfill my big dream,” the PSG superstar said in the pre-match press conference.
Heading into tomorrow’s game, there was a brief injury scare surrounding Messi, but the 35-year-old has put those fears to rest, stating that he is fully fit and fine and it was just a minor knock.
I feel very good physically. I think I’m arriving at a great moment, both personally and physically. I don’t have any problem. I trained differently because I had a blow, but there is nothing strange. It was a precaution,” he said.
Messi came close to winning the World Cup in 2014, when his Argentina side were beaten by Germany in the finals.
And heading into this edition of the competition, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner said that this group of players reminded him of the 2014 team, while also adding that their recent run of form gave the Albiceleste a peace of mind.
“I don’t know if we got there better, but winning makes you arrive with peace of mind. This group reminds me a lot of that of 2014. A very similar group, very united that was clear about what it was doing on the pitch and what it wanted … It gives a lot of confidence when you go out to play,” he said.
Messi also insisted that he wanted to enjoy the tournament and would give the advice the same to the younger members of the team, stating that it was important to be relaxed and enjoy the moment.
“I don’t know if it’s the happiest moment of my career, but I feel good… I want to live everything with great intensity and live every moment that comes my way. Today I think I enjoy all this much more before I didn’t think about it… Before, many important things in my career went unnoticed,” he said.
It’s difficult at the moment to make the debutants understand that they have to enjoy the moment,” Messi added. “That they enjoy what they are going to experience, the World Cup is special and you never know if you will experience it again. They should enjoy the experience to the full, the people, the game…”
Drawn in Group C, Messi’s Argentina face Saudi Arabia tomorrow before taking on Mexico, managed by former Barcelona boss Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. Finally they will lock horns against Robert Lewandowski’s Poland side.
Source: TNT Sports Argentina