Lionel Messi makes heartbreaking 2014 FIFA World Cup claim, reveals he cried 'tears of happiness' after 2022 final
Lionel Messi has revealed how important it was for him to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup final after the pain of losing to Germany in 2014.
La Albiceleste made it to the final of the 2014 World Cup but failed to overcome Germany, who won the tie 1-0 by scoring deep into extra time (Mario Gotze- 113'). Explaining how he felt after that defeat, Messi said in an interview with ESPN Argentina (via @AlbicelesteTalk):
"It would have hurt me a lot if I had not won the World Cup. I thought a lot about the 2014 final. We were very close and we couldn't get it."
"I've been so affected over many years by the thought of not having it. Losing two World Cup finals would have been a huge thorn in my side."
Despite the pain from 2014, Messi led his Argentina side to World Cup glory in 2022 in Qatar. He scored seven goals and assisted three throughout the tournament and was awarded the Golden Ball, which is given to the competition's best player.
Most importantly, Lionel Messi bagged a brace in the final against France to help his side win 4-2 on penalties after drawing the match 3-3. Opening up about how he cried 'tears of happiness' after winning the World Cup, Messi said:
"The final whistle? At that moment, I couldn't cry, but later, when everything calmed down and I was at peace, I cried tears of happiness alone."
With the Barcelona legend now aged 36, it remains to be seen whether he'll participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi responds to Kylian Mbappe's claims that European Championships are harder than World Cups
Lionel Messi has responded to former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe's claims that the European Championships are harder than World Cups. The Argentine dismissed these claims and pointed out footballing giants who don't play the Euros.
He told ESPN Argentina:
"Obviously the Euro is very important and has the best teams, but he's leaving out three-time champion Argentina, five-time champion Brazil, two-time champion Uruguay. There are a lot of world champions left off to say that it's the most difficult tournament."
Mbappe himself has won the World Cup in 2018 with France. However, he has failed to lay his hands on the European Championships but has the chance to do so this summer.
France will get their campaign underway in a Group D game against Austria on Monday (June 17). They've been drawn into a group with the aforementioned side, the Netherlands, and Poland.