A dream ahead of time… In the World Cup, Messi’s wish came true after 20 years!

Some may think that dreams are told as wishes and then swallowed by time, but with Lionel Messi, the story was different. 20 years ago, he was an eighteen-year-old boy, just trying to find a place for himself in Argentina’s senior national team and shyly talking about his dream of participating in the World Cup. In between those little dreams, he expressed a wish that seemed far-fetched at the time to play in the World Cup final against Spain.

Two whole decades later, fate wanted to return those words to him, but this time not as a promising player, but as a legend who made the history of the game.

After winning every possible title with Barcelona and Argentina and winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Messi is set to compete in the third final of his career after losing to Germany in the 2014 final. He is now looking for his second world title as he leads Argentina to face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final tomorrow Sunday at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium after Tango knocked out England in the semi-finals and Spain went through at the expense of France.

A message from two decades ago

On December 8, 2005, during Interview with a Spanish news agencyA few months before the World Cup in Germany, Messi was talking about his dreams with “Barcelona” and the Argentine national team.

He said at the time that he hoped to win the Spanish league and the Champions League with Barcelona, ​​then finish the season by winning the World Cup with Argentina, before expressing a wish that was closer to fantasy at the time;

Not only that, but he explained why he chose this scenario, saying: “It would be nice to play in the final with my country’s team against the country I play for.”

He added smiling. “To face Carles Puyol and try to outplay him one-on-one would be good and we’ll certainly talk about that later in the Barcelona dressing room.”

Years passed and that wish was not fulfilled, neither in Germany nor in South Africa, Brazil, Russia or Qatar, until fate returned and gave Messi the appointment he had so longed for, but after a full twenty years.

Today’s conversation. A different view of Spain

After qualifying for the final, the name Spain returned Messi’s statementsbut this time through the eyes of a veteran leader who knows his opponent well.

After the victory over England, he said: “Spain is a great team and they have a style of play that I know well. They have a football philosophy that they have followed for many years.”

“I know a lot of players and most of them play for Barcelona, ​​a team I love and follow all the time, so I expect a very balanced match.

While twenty years ago he was talking about a possible confrontation with Puyol, today he is talking about the entire Spanish national team, after becoming one of the most prominent builders of the Barcelona identity he knows well.

From Maradona’s words…loyalty to his memory

In an interview in 2006, Messi did not hide his great happiness at the support he received from legend Diego Armando Maradona, after the latter described him as the heir to the number 10 shirt.

“I’m always happy to hear nice things about me, especially when they come from the greatest player in history.”

“It’s unbelievable to me that Maradona would say he wants to inherit the number 10 shirt, but I’ll be happy with any number. The important thing is that I’m part of the team.”

Twenty years later, the roles have changed. Messi is no longer the young player receiving words of support from Maradona, but carries on his legacy and honors his memory on the biggest occasions.

After qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals, Argentina captain said “I’m sure Diego is enjoying his moment. This victory is for him, it was always a special day.”

He added: “I am happy that I was able to give him this joy and I hope with all my heart that he enjoys it.”

He also spoke about his special relationship with the Argentine legend, saying: “We were lucky because we lived in Diego’s era. I didn’t want to leave him and I know he loved me. I appreciate all the beautiful moments that brought us together.”