Having helped Argentina cruise past Croatia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, captain Lionel Messi has revealed why his second final at the grand showpiece will be a special one for him.
The 35-year-old has played an instrumental role in his side's eventful run to the final in Qatar, having registered five goals and three assists in six matches so far and claimed four Man of the Match awards.
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The Paris Saint-Germain superstar has also managed to break several records in the competition, including Diego Maradona's most assists record for Argentina, and also became the highest-scoring Argentine in the history of the tournament following his goal in their 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday night.
This Sunday, 18 December, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will be competing in his second World Cup final after his previous showing at the 2014 edition in Brazil, in which the Albiceleste were beaten 1-0 by Germany in extra-time, and he has revealed it will be his last dance at the tournament.
"I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying," he said, according to BBC.
"Everything I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina.
"There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don't think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant.
"We are going to do our best, as we have done up until now, so that this time it really happens – we really win it.
"I have been enjoying it the past few years, being with the national side. I am really enjoying everything that is happening to us.
"To get the Copa America, to reach the World Cup with 36 games unbeaten, and to finish all that trajectory in a final is just incredible.
"I hope the people in Argentina enjoy themselves and what we are doing. They shouldn't doubt we are giving absolutely everything."
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Argentina will face the winner of Wednesday's semi-final between reigning champions France and the tournament's surprise package Morocco in the final.
Some have already suggested that, should Messi win the World Cup, he will have established himself as the greatest footballer of all time.
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