Messi’s 20 year old dream is coming true
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Two decades ago, Lionel Messi said in an interview that he wanted to play a World Cup final against Spain. Twenty years later, that dream is about to become reality. Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the Argentine captain will have the chance to write another golden chapter in his career.
After Argentina secured their place in the final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over England, Messi said, “It is a special match.” The star, who provided two assists, said the game is especially significant for him not only because it is a World Cup final, but also because the opponent is Spain.
Messi moved to Spain at the age of 13 after joining Barcelona’s academy, where he grew up as a footballer. Over the years, he also received an opportunity to play for Spain. However, winning the World Cup with Argentina was always his biggest dream. After a long wait, he fulfilled that dream by lifting the trophy at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
In an interview with the EFE news agency after winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005, the young Messi said, “An Argentina-Spain World Cup final would be great.”
It took more than 20 years for that wish to come true. During that time, Spain won the 2010 FIFA World Cup, while Argentina lifted the trophy in 2022, erasing the disappointment of the 2014 final.
When Messi made that comment, Spain’s current young stars Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí had not yet been born. Gavi was just one year old, while Pedri was three.
Speaking about Spain ahead of the final, Messi said, “I know their players. I’ve played against many of them. Some of them are even playing at Barcelona.”
