Messi left looking emotional as Argentinian reporter pours heart out

Argentina fans hail Messi after reaching World Cup final

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Lionel Messi was left looking emotional after an Argentinian interviewer thanked him for everything that he had given their country. The 35-year-old will try to win the World Cup for the first time in his career in Sunday’s final but the reporter told him his off-field achievements are already ‘more important’ than bringing the trophy back to South America. 

Messi has been in excellent form throughout the World Cup and currently sits joint top of the goalscoring charts with five and the assists table with three. He was at his mesmerical best in the 3-0 semi-final win over Croatia, opening the scoring from the spot before turning Josko Gvardiol inside out to lay on a ridiculous assist for Julian Alvarez for his nation’s third. 

Focus has already turned to Sunday’s final as he looks to get his hands on the trophy for the first time in his career in what he has confirmed will be his last ever World Cup. Tasting victory in Qatar would surely cement his status as the greatest footballer of all time. 

However, after the semi-final win interviewer Sofi Martinez Mateos told him that winning the World Cup would pale into insignificance from the achievements he has already accomplished – namely having an entire country idolise him as a result of the happiness he has given them. 

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“The last thing I want to say,” she said following an extensive post-match interview. “The World Cup final is coming and sure we Argentinians all wanted you to win the cup but I just want to tell you that no matter the result there’s something that no one can take from you. 

“That is the fact, you have resonated with every Argentinian, there isn’t a kid who doesn’t have your shirt, no matter if it’s fake, real or made up. You’ve made a mark on everyone’s life and that is beyond winning any World Cup.

“No one can take that from you and this is my gratitude for such an amount of happiness that you bring to a lot of people. I seriously hope you take these words to your heart because I really believe that’s more important than winning a World Cup and you already have it. Thank you, captain.”  

Messi looked momentarily overwhelmed with emotion before going on to thank the reporter.

The World Cup final will get underway at 3pm UK time on Sunday with just Morocco or France standing between Argentina and glory as they look to make history. 

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