He included the darkest heartbreaks because ironically, that’s exactly what made the World Cup win carry the weight of 10.
It’s not just that he won the World Cup. Lamine Yamal’s World Cup, for example, isnt memorable, because there’s no substance behind it. It was never just about flexing the World Cup.
I was there when Peckerman denied Messi his chance to save his country just because of his age
I was there to see the same people that kiss his feet now, spit on his name and burn his jersey 10 years ago.
I was there when everyone’s 1% hope finally hit 0 when he lost to France in 2018
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg
You start digging into Messi’s World Cup just a little and instead you get to know that man’s entire life.
And that cringy quote about a dying star burning its brightest in its final moments was proven true in the summer of 26.
Messi’s story with the Argentina national team is the greatest sport story ever told
🚨📲 Di Maria on IG:
"We will remain grateful to you for our entire lives because you are Argentine, and because you raised the name of Argentina to the top of the world.
And because you chose to be Argentine at a time when you could have easily chosen another country.
Thank you, Captain. Thank you for everything.
The best in history
🚨❤️ Lisandro Martínez: “A huge sadness, honestly. You’re never prepared for these things, but from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!
"You are my example and an example for the whole world, a winner in football and a winner in life!!
"My daughter will be very proud that her father shared a team with such an extraordinary human being.
"You are the greatest athlete in history, because when it comes to football, honestly, there is no comparison.
"I love you so much 😭❤️”
This is the way to leave. You leave on a high. You leave before it becomes an embarrassment.
Last two world cups. Won one, runner up in the other. Two Copa Americas back to back.
What a career!
🚨🚨🚨💣 LEO MESSI STATEMENT:
“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team…
"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.
"I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
"There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.
"Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.
"Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.
"Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
"I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!
"Thank you God for making me Argentine.
"Vamos Argentina!
"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before.”