Argentina’s talisman Lionel Messi feels the game against England drained them before the FIFA World Cup final against Spain. La Albiceleste registered a thrilling 2-1 win against the Three Lions in the semifinal clash.
Lionel Scaloni’s team was trailing 0-1 after Anthony Gordon scored in the 55th minute for England. However, Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored in the last seven minutes to turn the tables in Argentina’s favor.
But the 2022 World Cup champions could not bring their best to the pitch in the all-important final against Spain, eventually suffering a 1-0 loss.
Speaking after playing his final game for Argentina in Tuesday’s friendly against Benin, Messi, 39, reflected on the recent World Cup and said: “We had a dream, my dream and the whole country’s dream of becoming world champions again.
“The match against England really drained us. Physically and emotionally, it was exhausting, and the truth is we arrived to the final running on fumes.”
Messi said they gave their all to the Argentina shirt in the quadrennial event but fell short.
“In reality, nothing strange happened, as some people say; we gave it our all,” the Inter Miami star said. “We fought hard, just as we always did, wearing these shirts, alongside all the teammates I shared the journey with. Not just the ones who were there when we finally won, but the ones from before, too; we came very close back then but sadly didn’t become champions.
“Still, make no mistake: every teammate who stood beside me always gave everything for this shirt. Always.”
“As I said, I’d love to stay here forever,” Messi said after Tuesday’s final whistle. “The last World Cup took a massive toll, everything I went through.”
Messi ended his International career with 126 goals. He scored his final goal for Argentina through a penalty against Benin and also provided two assists.
