LIONEL MESSI “lost his mind” in an impassioned speech ahead of Argentina’s Copa America final victory against Brazil last year.
The legendary Argentine, 35, had not had the possibility abroad until then.
He racked up one last World Cup loss to Germany in 2014 and finished three times in the Copa America.
But against Brazil in his own Maracanã backyard in the 2021 Copa America final, Messi “lost his mind” in an impassioned speech.
Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain ace Angel Di Maria said of the moment: “Before the start of every game, he (Messi) spoke.
“But this last different speech, he lost his mind. “
Messi said like the cane: “We already know what Argentina and Brazil mean.
“I don’t need to say anything today, just thank you guys.
“Thank you so much for those forty-five days.
“I told you on my birthday, we formed a band, and I enjoyed it very much.
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“Forty-five days where we traveled, ate, locked up in hotels.
“Forty-five days seeing our families, guys.
“Dibu (Emiliano Martinez) had a daughter and I couldn’t even see her, I couldn’t hug her.
“Chino also had a son, and he could only see him for a while.
“All for what? For this moment. Because we had a goal, and we are very much about to achieve it.
“And you know what’s about everything? That depends on us.
“That’s why we go to the court and go to the cup.
“We will take him to Argentina to enjoy with our circle of family and friends, and with those who have supported us.
“The thing, that’s the end of it. There are no coincidences guys.
“This cup is going to be played in Argentina, but God wanted it to be played in Brazil, so that we would only win it at the Maracanã, and make it more beautiful for all of us.
“So go to the box and relax, we will take this cup home. “
And they brought it home, winning 1-0 with a Messi-inspired Di Maria scoring the goal, the ground where they lost the 2014 World Cup final.
Argentina continued this momentum by beating Euro 2020 winners Italy in the Finalissima.
The South American champions 3-0 at Wembley.
Messi and company are on a 35-game unbeaten run ahead of next month’s Winter World Cup, which will be the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
He has also returned to club form after a poor first season at PSG.
Messi has 12 goals and 14 assists in 18 games this season for PSG, heading to Qatar in top form.
Argentina will love their chances, as European champions Italy will not participate in the tournament.
France, Germany and England are not living the moments either.
Its main rivals may be Brazil, which is aiming for its sixth world crown.
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