Leo Messi has become the Argentine player with the most saves in World Championship history, surpassing Diego Armando Maradona. It is a milestone Messi values deeply, saying it brings pride and shows how much affection he has received from past greats. He noted that the achievement is not just personal glory but a reflection of the support around him, including the fans and teammates who have stood by him throughout his career and the many moments that shaped this journey. He added that Maradona would be happy for him because of the love and encouragement that have always come from that era, and he felt grateful for the ongoing recognition from the public and the football community. The focus, he emphasized, extended beyond the numbers to the importance of team performance and the significance of the World Cup moment for the fans and the sport itself. There is a shared sense of responsibility to perform on a big stage, and Messi acknowledged the role of his colleagues in achieving such a record, noting that every match brings new opportunities to contribute to the group’s goals. This is not just about personal stats, but about continuing to contribute to Argentina’s rich World Cup history and the expectations that come with a storied national program. The wider football world has watched this run with interest, and Messi’s comments reflected a blend of humility and pride as the team prepared for future rounds. — Source: World Cup records and player interviews.
Regarding the match, Messi expressed regret over a missed penalty, but he framed the moment as a learning point and a spur for the rest of the squad. He described the miss as a moment of anger that briefly unsettled him personally, yet he believed it did not derail the team. Instead, the miss inspired a renewed focus and drive, reinforcing the idea that the game is won or lost through collective effort and composure. He highlighted the quality of the performance that followed, stressing that the team had already shown what they could do earlier in the tournament and that the approach remained the same: stay focused, execute the plan, and trust the process. The sentiment extended to the broader group, with Messi praising the cohesion and resilience of teammates who stepped up when needed, underscoring the value of a deep, talented squad in a high-stakes tournament. This perspective aligns with a philosophy that emphasizes continuity, discipline, and the ability to adapt to different opponents, a theme that has characterized Argentina’s World Cup campaigns in recent years. — Source: match reports and player commentary.
Argentina is set to face Australia in the round of 16, a confrontation Messi described as a fresh challenge against a capable and orderly side. He thanked the coaching staff and the entire group for their effort and stressed that the preparations for the knockout stage would begin immediately after the outcome of the previous match. Messi lauded the blend of experience and youth within the squad, noting that the younger players bring energy, intelligence, and hunger, while the seasoned veterans provide stability and leadership. He commented that every opponent in the knockout rounds presents a unique test, and the team would have to stay true to their identity, execute their game plan, and aim for victory with the belief that the squad can rise to the occasion no matter who lines up on the other side. The sense of unity within the team, he added, is a critical factor behind Argentina’s ability to sustain performance across a demanding tournament schedule. The coach and players are aligned in their view that the path to success depends on collective effort, mutual trust, and a willingness to push through moments of fatigue for the sake of the collective goal. — Source: team announcements and press briefings.
Messi also commented on the rest period ahead of the pivotal match against Australia, describing the time as brief but fair for all teams involved. He acknowledged the intensity of the day’s heat and recognized the additional physical demands that come with a hot climate. The captain expressed a practical approach: use the brief downtime efficiently, manage recovery, and be ready for the next challenge. He noted that the group would balance rest with strategic preparation, ensuring that the squad remains sharp and ready to perform at their best when the whistle blows. In closing remarks, Messi celebrated the achievement of scoring the first goal of the tournament phase, emphasizing how meaningful it is to reach that landmark and to share the moment with teammates and supporters who have followed the journey from the start. The message conveyed a mix of satisfaction for personal milestones and commitment to the team’s continued pursuit of success in the World Cup. — Source: post-match press statements.