During the victory celebrations in the dressing room, Messi was seen wearing the ribbon around his left ankle.
Four years ago, at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, an Argentine journalist Rama Pantarotto handed a red ribbon to Lionel Messi when Argentina were struggling in the World Cup group stages.
“I carry her red ribbon for good luck. If you want, I can give it to you. It's from my mum so make sure to keep it safe because you're kind of jinxed now.” “My mum told me to give this to you,” he had told Messi.
After leading his team to a 2-1 victory in Saint Petersburg, the same reporter interviewed Messi and received the most beautiful surprise of his life; Messi wore the red ribbon during the match.
He showed him that he was wearing it around his left ankle after scoring against Nigeria in the final group-stage game.
It is said that the ribbon is indeed a lucky charm, for Messi, over the years has passed it on to his other teammates.
See thread:
During the 2018-19 season when the Brazilian was going through a tough time at Barcelona, Philippe Coutinho was seen wearing the ribbon.
Paulo Dybala wore the same ribbon in 2019 and scored his first competitive goal for Argentina.
Even while not on the field, Messi was spotted wearing the ribbon.
In the thread, both Lautaro Martinez and Rodrigo De Paul can also be seen wearing the 'good-luck' ribbon.
During the shootout against France, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez wore it too and saved Coman's penalty in the process.
During the victory celebrations in the dressing room, Messi was seen wearing the ribbon around his left ankle.
Footballers are known for their game rituals and in Argentina's case, wearing a red ribbon has certainly been a confidence booster.
Pantarotto couldn't have ever imagined this, not even in his wildest dreams that Lionel Messi will lift the World Cup while wearing his mother's red ribbon.
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In 2018, a reporter met Lio and gave him a red ribbon. Reporter: “My mum loves you more than she loves me, I carry her red ribbon for good luck. If you want it, I can give it to you.” Leo: “Yeah sure!” Reporter: “It’s from my mum so please keep it safe.” Few days later, Messi scored his 1st 2018 WC goal vs Nigeria. He talked to the same reporter after the game. Reporter: “I don’t know if you remember, but my mum gave you a ribbon.” Messi: “Look at this" Messi was wearing the red ribbon around his left ankle. Messi then gave it to Philippe Coutinho in 18/19 to boost his confidence. Then Leo Messi gave it to Paulo Dybala, to boost his confidence as well with the National Team. Lately, the red ribbon has been with Lautaro Martinez, who has been struggling to find the back of the net… …And Rodrigo De Paul, who had been struggling to stay in form because he was injured early on in the tournament. Leo Messi then gave it to Emiliano Martinez just in time for the penalty shootout against France. Finally, Messi got the red ribbon back and was seen wearing it during Argentina's celebrations in the dressing room. John Ford couldnt have scripted He wore a Red Ribbon better..