Messi enjoying World Cup after matching Matthaus record & reaching final
The Argentina captain hopes to win the competition for the first time at the fifth attempt
Lionel Messi did a Lionel Messi and drove Argentina into the second World Cup final of his career, the sixth in the country's history, with a 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday. The Albiceleste No.10 opened the scoring from the penalty spot and set up the third goal for Julian Alvarez with an incredible assist.
"As we sid from the start, seeing the fans, all out family during the World Cup... it's incredible," Messi said. "We are now going to play the final game, which is what we wanted."
Asked if it was his best World Cup, after becoming the player with the most appearances in the competition (he has played 25 games in the finals now will overtake Matthaus' 25 if he plays in Sunday's final), replacing Batistuta as Argentina's top scorer in World Cups (11 goals) and leveling Maradona's assist record in the tournament (eight), Messi preferred to focus on the collective.
"I don't know if it's my best World Cup... I am enjoying it a lot, beyond the fact we started with a loss, we had faith in the group and we knew we would kick on. This group (of players) is crazy.
"I would say this squad, beyond the collective, is a very intelligent and wise squad. We’re able to read every moment. We did it, we are going to play another final.
"I feel very happy in this whole World Cup. I am able to help the whole squad to make this happen."
He also had some words for his family: "They are everything for me. We have been through the wringer but now we can enjoy it with them and all the Argentines."
