Almost a year after lifting the World Cup trophy for Argentina in Qatar, Lionel Messi recounted the difficult journey to the triumph and expressed joy for turning criticism into appreciation in his nation.
Messi remarked in an interview for Disney Star+’s “Champions, a Year Later” special that one of his favorite memories from winning the World Cup and Copa América with Argentina is having the “beautiful” feeling of being adored by “95 or 100% of Argentines.”
“I had a rough time. My family and those that care about me did as well. They [Argentine critics] were really unjust to a generation of players and said a lot of negative things about me. “I’m not vindictive,” Messi stated.
“I consider it a triumph for me to have changed that situation and won over all of Argentina’s people.” Today, 95% or 100% of Argentines love me, which is a wonderful sensation.”
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005, but his first major tournament title came in 2021, when Argentina defeated Brazil in the Copa América final. He guided the Albiceleste to the Finalissima title in Wembley and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar over the next 18 months. In between, there were several devastating defeats, including ones at the Copa América games in 2011 and 2016, as well as a startling round of 16 loss to France at the 2018 World Cup.
Messi said he was fortunate to be so well-liked in Barcelona and that winning the World Cup was his greatest ambition.
“It’s the thing that everyone wants.” Everyone has enormous aspirations, and the largest is to win a world championship with your national team. I was fortunate to achieve everything both at the club and individual levels with Barcelona. This was the only thing I couldn’t figure out. “There are very few players who can say they have accomplished everything, and I am one of them, thanks to God,” Messi stated.
“If you put in the effort, sacrifice, work, and humility, in the end, you achieve your goals,” he said. “The road can be difficult, but you must keep fighting for your dreams in order to achieve them.” I’ve always enjoyed playing football, coming to the national team, and being on the field, but I’ve never had as much fun as today.”