Often dubbed “one of the greatest of all time”, Lionel Messi Qatar’s football gods wowed as he went on to lift his maiden World Cup title with Argentina. After losing their opening game against Saudi Arabia, Argentina and Messi had a testing period that would see them knocked out. The journey to the trophy has been a rollercoaster ride, with Messi’s men battling through extreme circumstances to claim “the most prestigious award in world football”. But is it just hard work?
On a stage as big as the FIFA World Cup, there is little distinction between teams. Often it’s those tiny details that determine which side wins. Argentina not only have Messi by their side to help them out, but also the “lucky red ribbon”.
Messi is the kind of football player who has fans all over the world. Even the reporters who interviewed him often expressed admiration for his performance on the court. One such incident occurred during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia when a reporter gave Messi a “lucky red ribbon” that his mother had asked him to give to the then-Barcelona footballer.
“My mother loves you more than me. I wear her red ribbon for good luck. If you want it, I can give it to you,” the reporter said. In response, Messi said: “Yes, of course!”
The reporter then added: “This is a gift from my mother, please keep it safe.”
THREAD → The story of Messi and the journalist who gave him the red ribbon.
Reporter: “My mom loves you more than me, and I wear her red ribbon for good luck. If you want it, I can give it to you.”
Reporter: “This is a gift from my mother, please keep it safe.” pic.twitter.com/qBpFqlc4ih
— BarcaWorldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) December 18, 2022
Since then, Messi has been wearing a red ribbon around his left ankle.
After the striker scored a goal against Nigeria, reporters met Messi again.
The reporter asked: “I don’t know if you still remember, my mother gave you a ribbon.”
Messi replied, “Look at this”, while showing reporters the ribbon wrapped around his ankle.
When the reporter saw it, he said happily: “No way, no way! Are you really wearing a red ribbon around your ankle?”
Messi went on to say: “Yes, this is it.” The reporter said in front of the camera: “Dear mother, Messi wears it!”
Messi still wears the red ribbon to this day pic.twitter.com/V5Dwb8lOXU
— Chris Bradshaw (@ftblkris_10) December 19, 2022
Since then, Messi is said to have told some of his team-mates at club and country when they were going through a difficult time.
Four years after the incident, Messi was even spotted wearing a red ribbon around his left ankle for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Even the red ribbon on Messi’s left ankle was clearly visible when he posed with the World Cup trophy after his final victory over France.
Eventually, Messi took home the red ribbon and was seen wearing it during celebrations in the Argentine dressing room.
End. pic.twitter.com/0jQmNJRs9o
— BarcaWorldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) December 18, 2022
While it’s undeniable that Argentina and Messi won the World Cup with their hard work, talent and desire, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner carrying the gift of journalists and delivering the sheer respect of his words is a victory in itself.
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