The Argentine has spoken ahead of tonight’s match saying he would give up all his personal records if it meant Argentina would lift their World Cup since 1986.
The Barca forward has managed 4 goals so far this tournament and produced a showpiece against Holland to help his side into the biggest match in world football.
Messi has many outstanding achievements to his name including 4 Ballons d’Or but claims he would give it all up if it meant he could win the cup with his country.
He was quoted by Bild saying: “I would give all my personal records to be world champion,” and then said in an interview with Adidas Football: “I’d prefer to win the World Cup than the Ballon d’Or,”
“As a player, winning the World Cup is the biggest thing there is. It’s something you dream of as a youngster and that dream never fades away.
“I’ve asked my team-mates at Barcelona, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta and [Gerard] Pique, what it’s like to lift the trophy and they said it’s hard to explain. We’ll be doing everything we can to turn this dream into a reality [for Argentina].”
The forward was then echoed by his Barca team-mate and fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano who promised his side would give everything to win the tournament: “We’re there and we’ll try it with the soul, heart and head,” the 30-year-old said.
“Now we are on the last step and will try to live up to the circumstances, and then get to the destination.
“I wish I could enjoy it and can play with joy and excitement it deserves. This is what you aim for in life and what you imagined was far off, almost impossible. The dream is a great one.
“Right now all this is crossing my mind. I am a person who is easily excited and this is all in part for our squad, but also for those who struggle at our side – family and friends who have endured through thick and thin.”
By Phil Wellbrook
