Everyone always knew Lionel Messi was the best, but his triumph at the Qatar 2022 World Cup sealed his status as the greatest soccer player of all time, putting him on the same level as compatriot Diego Maradona, who had always been a step ahead of Messi, thanks to his international success, which can be highlighted by his 1987 World Cup success.
The World Cup victory has paved the way for Lionel Messi, who has since won his eighth Ballon d’Or award and also the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year award. In a special revelation, teammate and friend Angel Di Maria revealed how the whole team was behind Messi at the World Cup.
Di Maria discloses his feelings about Lionel Messi and 2022 WC
Anyone who follows Lionel Messi’s international career will know that he’s suffered a lot for his country. After bursting onto the scene at an early age, Messi failed to win a single trophy with his country and even lost some important finals, such as the 2014 World Cup final and the Copa America final against Germany and Chile, respectively.
Those back-to-back final losses made Messi retire from international football after constant criticism and comparisons to Diego Maradona. However, he returned to the fold and led Argentina to Copa America glory in 2021, making it his first trophy with his country since the start of his international career.
His second came at the 2022 World Cup, and Di Maria has now revealed he felt Messi needed to win more than any other person on the team, at least for his legacy. “The 2022 World Cup? It became more about Lionel Messi than me. I wanted to win the World Cup for him,” the former Real Madrid winger revealed.
Everyone on the team worked their socks off to ensure Messi became a world champion. Lionel Messi also put in the work himself, scoring seven goals throughout the competition, including a brace in the final, to secure his legendary status in the game.
Di Maria revealed Lionel Messi’s pre-match team talk ahead of 2022 WC final
Lionel Messi didn’t just wear the captain’s armband for a reason; he acted like one, especially minutes before the final, as revealed by Angel Di Maria. Di Maria went on to say he ditched his pre-match ritual because of how powerful Messi’s pep talk was.
“When I put on the shirt, I usually start praying,” Di Maria said. “I have my Jesus there, my Virgin Mary, my cross, and on my phone, I have a photo of my wife and daughters. I always light a candle, but the final was the only time in my career that I didn’t ask; I gave thanks for the moment I was going to live.
“While I was giving thanks, a few tears fell, and Leo (Lionel Messi) also spoke,” Di Maria added.
While Di Maria could only contribute one goal and two assists in the entire tournament, his importance went beyond his goal contributions. He was one of the best players for his country in the tournament. But what’s your take on Di Maria’s 2022 World Cup campaign? Tell us in the comments section.
