After the match against Austria, Messi, crowned FIFA World Cup all-time top scorer with 18 goals, spoke to reporters in the mixed zone.
On the match:
The most important thing is that we advanced successfully. Of course, winning every match is always our goal. We are Argentina, and regardless of the opponent, we will fight hard. But we also know it's not easy. We have to prove it on the pitch, and I think Argentina did that today.
On himself:
I enjoy playing and having fun on the field. Today there was a moment when I was very frustrated by that penalty because I missed it and it was a terrible kick. Fortunately, we managed to turn things around, extend our lead, and secure the most important three points.
On the team:
I think we all feel the same way—the entire team, all the players have felt this throughout this campaign. When this team comes together, whether for official matches or friendlies, everyone enjoys the time spent together, enjoys competing, enjoys training, and the daily routines. We also enjoy seeing people happy and bringing them joy. Thank God we've done that many times, and we'll try to maintain this momentum and chemistry for our fans. But as I said, I want to reiterate: one step at a time. This is a long and very difficult process. We'll prepare for each match as we always do, no matter the opponent or when it is. Yes, this feeling is special, as I've always felt.
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datsama
74
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIĆ ON LIONEL MESSI'S INFLUENCE ON ARGENTINA AFTER THEIR WIN OVER AUSTRIA: “I'm obsessed with watching Messi. Not because he's my friend. Not because of nostalgia. Because after all these years, I'm still trying to understand how one player can control a football match without touching the ball every minute. I watched Argentina today and the first thing I noticed wasn't the scoreline. It was the way Austria reacted whenever Messi moved. One step to the left, defenders follow. One drop into midfield, the entire shape changes. One glance over his shoulder panic. That's not football. That's psychological warfare. And that's why I laugh when people reduce him to goals and assists. They don't understand what they're watching. Messi isn't just Argentina's best player. He's Argentina's system. He's their confidence. He's their belief. He's the reason every teammate walks onto the pitch thinking the impossible is possible. People ask me about the GOAT debate. What debate? Seriously. What debate? For me, there isn't one. The debate exists because television needs content and social media needs arguments. When I watch football, I don't see a debate. I see Messi. Then I see everybody else. That doesn't mean other legends weren't incredible. It means I've never seen another player influence a match, a team and an entire generation of football the way Messi has. And today was another reminder. He didn't need a hat-trick. He didn't need to score from 40 yards. He just needed to be Lionel Messi. And suddenly Argentina looked like a completely different team. That's greatness. Not when everything depends on you. When everybody becomes better because you're there. I've played against great players. I've played with great players. But Messi is the only player I've ever watched and genuinely thought: 'This isn't normal.' The scary thing? Opponents know exactly what he's going to do. And they still can't stop it. That's why I don't waste my time with comparisons anymore. Some players become legends. Some players become icons. Messi became a category of his own. And after today's performance, if you're still asking me who the greatest footballer of all time is... You're asking the wrong question. The right question is: Will football ever produce another one like him?”
suleimanu1567
40
Lionel Messi makes the World Cup look like amateur football 😅
Nam_So
16
It's okay buddy
hotilmnoy
14
Someone should remind him that he’s old and should behave like an old man. How can we explain this ? Scoring every match in World Cup
AbdulZaks008
9
At 39 years old -2days, We can say Messi is Football AI 👽🤖
risbemnstu
9
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIĆ ON LIONEL MESSI'S INFLUENCE ON ARGENTINA AFTER THEIR WIN OVER AUSTRIA: “I'm obsessed with watching Messi. Not because he's my friend. Not because of nostalgia. Because after all these years, I'm still trying to understand how one player can control a football match without touching the ball every minute. I watched Argentina today and the first thing I noticed wasn't the scoreline. It was the way Austria reacted whenever Messi moved. One step to the left, defenders follow. One drop into midfield, the entire shape changes. One glance over his shoulder panic. That's not football. That's psychological warfare. And that's why I laugh when people reduce him to goals and assists. They don't understand what they're watching. Messi isn't just Argentina's best player. He's Argentina's system. He's their confidence. He's their belief. He's the reason every teammate walks onto the pitch thinking the impossible is possible. People ask me about the GOAT debate. What debate? Seriously. What debate? For me, there isn't one. The debate exists because television needs content and social media needs arguments. When I watch football, I don't see a debate. I see Messi. Then I see everybody else. That doesn't mean other legends weren't incredible. It means I've never seen another player influence a match, a team and an entire generation of football the way Messi has. And today was another reminder. He didn't need a hat-trick. He didn't need to score from 40 yards. He just needed to be Lionel Messi. And suddenly Argentina looked like a completely different team. That's greatness. Not when everything depends on you. When everybody becomes better because you're there. I've played against great players. I've played with great players. But Messi is the only player I've ever watched and genuinely thought: 'This isn't normal.' The scary thing? Opponents know exactly what he's going to do. And they still can't stop it. That's why I don't waste my time with comparisons anymore. Some players become legends. Some players become icons. Messi became a category of his own. And after today's performance, if you're still asking me who the greatest footballer of all time is... You're asking the wrong question. The right question is: Will football ever produce another one like him?”
if it was possible...i would have liked this comment a hundred times