Lionel Messi’s awe-inspiring speech ahead of Argentina’s Copa America final victory over Brazil in 2021 has been heralded by a teammate.
Messi inspired Argentina to their first Copa America success since 1993 by beating long-time rivals Brazil 1-0 in the Maracana.
Angel Di Maria was the match winner in the final of the Covid-affected tournament, which set the wheel’s in motion for Lionel Scaloni’s men to claim World Cup glory a year later.
Messi had struggled to shrug off criticism that he had been unable to steer the Albiceleste to international glory unlike Argentine hero Diego Maradona.
But the Barcelona legend sought out to rewrite history buoyed by 12 months of frustration and sacrifice brought about by the pandemic.
Messi, who was on the verge of a blockbuster move to Paris Saint-Germain, produced an incredible heartfelt speech on what winning the trophy would mean for Argentina and how the sacrifices would be worth it.
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While Messi was no stranger to a pre-match pep talk, Di Maria admits this time it was different, claiming Messi had ‘lost his mind’.
“We already know who Brazil are. I won’t say more on the matter. I want to thank you all for these past 45 days boys,” Messi told his teammates minutes before kick off in Rio de Janeiro.
“I said it on the day of my birthday, this is a spectacular group, a beautiful group.
“It’s been 45 days of hard work in which we haven’t complained about the travelling, the food, the hotels, the pitches, nothing.
“45 days without seeing our families. 45 days… El Dibu (Emiliano Martinez) became a father and didn’t even get to see his new born child, and why? Because of this moment boys.
“We had an objective and we’re one step away from achieving it and the best thing about it is it’s in our hands.
“So, we’re going to go out there and lift the trophy, we’re going to take it home to Argentina and enjoy it with our family, friends with everyone that has supported Argentina.
“And I want to finish with this: Coincidences don’t exist. This tournament had to be played in Argentina and do you know why? Because God brought it here so we win here in the Maracana for all of us. So let’s go out there with confidence, with cool heads, and let’s win this trophy. Come on boys!”
Di Maria’s first-half strike put an end to Messi’s small but vocal band of naysayers and helped land his first international triumph.
However, the months that followed brought about huge change for Messi who departed Barcelona with the Catalan club unable to afford to keep him.
A difficult spell at PSG followed before moving to MLS side Inter Miami last summer where he was joined by former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez.
And Messi has the chance to win a third-consecutive trophy with Argentina when the Copa America gets underway on June 21 in the United States.
Holders Argentina are favourites to retain the trophy ahead of their opening group game against Canada.
News Summary:
- He lost his mind – inside Lionel Messi’s incredible speech ahead of Copa America final win over Brazil
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