Gotze: Score in WC final is once-in-a-lifetime moment; Yamal's future brilliant

Frankfurt will play away against Barcelona in the 6th round of the Champions League group stage, and Frankfurt player Mario Götze was interviewed by TNT Sports before the game.

Nice to meet you, and thank you for agreeing to this interview. But I'd like to start with the draw a few days ago. You were placed in the same group as Ecuador, Cote d'Ivoire, and Curaçao. Everyone thinks of your goal against Argentina when they mention Mario. What's it like to carry such a "label"? I imagine it's not easy, but on the other hand, it's also a good thing?

It was great. Overall, it was really good, because I don't know if I'll ever have that kind of luck to score a goal again. It was almost a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Looking back now, being able to play in the World Cup and win it was truly wonderful. So from a personal perspective and as a professional player, the World Cup is truly special. I think it's the highest-level event an athlete can participate in, and I was lucky enough to take part in that tournament.

You faced Messi in that final. Messi was playing for Barcelona that year. So many Barcelona fans would ask: Why isn't Messi at the Camp Nou now? From your perspective as a fan who also occasionally appreciates Messi, do you hope he returns to Barcelona? Do you think the answer is "no"? Or "yes"? Tell me your thoughts. 

He spent almost his entire career at Barcelona. When I was a kid watching Barcelona, I was also watching him play. He has made so many contributions to the club. I think he is not only significant to football as a whole, but even more so to Barcelona. He belongs here, and I think he feels the same way. Anyone who has had the chance to watch him play here should agree. So he is a part of Barcelona, a part of the club's history, and an important figure in the entire football world. Therefore, I think he will always be welcome here.

Do you think Yamal is close to Messi?

I mean, it may not be appropriate to say he's close yet. After all, Messi has been playing for fifteen, sixteen, or twenty years, I'm not sure, and has almost won every honor. But he (Yamal) is on a very good path. I remember he's probably under 20 years old, and his future is very bright. He has already done many amazing things. He plays for Barcelona, a strong team, in a great stadium, in a great city. So, he's on a good track to becoming one of the world's top players.