Unable to shoot until the 116th minute. Unable to score. Unable to lead his team to the title. Unable to shine after a World Cup in which he had always walked on the edge of the impossible. Don’t cry for him, Argentina, because he has given you everything. Don’t cry for him because he has been the flag of a team that has survived beyond the imaginable. Don’t cry because at 39 years old he leaves the United States World Cup with eight goals, four assists, and a third final in six appearances. Leo Messi, the greatest player of all time, gave in in extra time, just like in 2014 at the Maracanã against Germany. Not even his incredible longevity managed to beat an unbeatable champion. A Spain that shut down Mbappé and did the same to Messi.
Read more Argentina’s scores in the World Cup final against Spain
If the French attacker didn’t have a single chance and only touched the ball four times in the Spanish area, the Rosario native barely approached the danger zone. Because without the ball Messi is like a painter without a brush and the Albiceleste only had it in the last phase of extra time.
His mind could imagine but not execute. He leaves the United States and probably the World Cups as runner-up and without being able to wear the Golden Boot of the tournament. But that mattered very little to him. At this stage of his career, the only thing that moved him was to catapult Argentina beyond. He had already done enough. Having seen the path, the development of events, and a clearly superior opponent.
In the locker room tunnel Leo looked for Pedri to hug him; in the end the Canarian came to console him
Before the match started, the number 10 of the Albiceleste walked through the locker room tunnel with the authority he deserves and, elegantly, went to greet most of the Spanish players, especially Pedri with whom he coincided in his last season at Barça. In the end, it was the Canarian who went to console him with another heartfelt hug, followed by a Cubarsí who showed him admiration. Because when everything ended, the Argentine player who accepted the defeat with the most sportsmanship was their captain. He stayed standing first, alone, more resigned than broken. There, without breaking down yet, he received the Spanish players who came to give him a pat.
Read more The notes of Spain’s triumph in the final against Argentina
While other teammates, like Paredes, resorted to roughness, Leo endured stoically and with dignity. Until after going up to the podium to receive the runner-up medal, he broke down crying as he was affectionately cheered by the Argentine crowd.
During the match Messi sought the benefit of his team also with the other football by asking the referee to send off Cucurella for supposedly covering his mouth when addressing him. But, as always, he didn’t make a bad tackle. A champion is also recognized by the way he loses and Messi behaved. When he could no longer stand, he let himself fall on the grass. He had been exhausted for a long time. Before extra time, the Argentine physiotherapists had given him a calf massage. It’s not that Leo had run himself ragged in the pressing but when an artist doesn’t have the ball, fatigue is much more noticeable. Just look at how Messi revitalized when Argentina desperately trapped Spain. Then his figure became threatening again, forcing corners, sending crosses, trying a shot that hit Merino, and driving the ball hooked to his left boot. As he has done during the 22 years he has accumulated at the elite level. More than anyone.
The Rosario native, in surely his last dance in a World Cup, cried when he was cheered by the crowd
Messi and Barça will always be united. Even in defeat because in front the Argentine fell to many players who apply the idea he soaked up at Barcelona. From La Masia to New York, in victory and defeat, Messi is unique. Don’t cry for him.
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