FIFA World Cup 2022: Losing 1st game helped Argentina reach World Cup final – Lionel Messi

Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi believes losing their first game of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 helped his team reach the final of the marquee event. Le Albiceleste were stunned in their opener by Saudi Arabia as they were beaten 2-1.

However, Argentina bounced back stronger in the next two Grou stage matches against Mexico and Poland to finish as Group C toppers. Argentina then defeated Australia in the Round of 16 and bested the Netherlands on penalties in a thrilling contest.

The Messi-led team qualified for the final after beating Croatia 3-0 in the first semifinal at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday. The Argentine captain provided the lead as he scored from the spot kick after a lucky decision from the referee. This was Messi’s 11 World Cup goal to go past Gabriel Batistuta’s record.

Julian Alvarez then doubled Argentina’s lead after a fine run. Messi then provided a brilliant assist to Alvarez in the second half after taking on Josko Gvardiol and bamboozling the tournament’s best defender.

Messi said: “I would say that the first match was a hard blow for all of us because we had been unbeaten in 36 matches.

“To start in such a way in a World Cup was a blow, we did not think we would lose to Saudi Arabia. It was an acid test for this whole squad but this squad proved how strong we are.

“We won the other matches. It was very difficult what we did because every match was a final and we were aware if we did not win things would be complicated for us.

“This is a mental load because we knew things would be more complicated for us. We managed to win five finals and I hope it will be this way for the final game.

“Internally we were confident that we would make it because we know what we are capable of as a squad. We lost in the first match due to fine details but it helped us to be stronger.

“Let’s enjoy this moment. It’s great to see the joy in our fans here and in Argentina. We are going to give all that we have in the final but also need to enjoy what we achieved.

“I am enjoying this moment a lot. We feel strong before the game even after a very long last game, the previous one wasn’t easy at all. We were tired but the group brought its energy on the pitch to face this game.”

Messi also confirmed the Sunday final will be his swansong at the World Cup.

“I feel very happy, to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final. It’s many years for the next one and I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it’s the best,” said the Argentina captain.