The Story of Messi in the National Team
This Sunday, Argentine families come together to celebrate Father’s Day. Exactly six months ago, also on a Sunday, everyone gathered to witness the thrilling final of the World Cup Qatar 2022, where Argentina emerged victorious against France in a penalty shootout, securing their long-awaited third star. As the first semester comes to a close, various tributes have been made. One of them carries an emotional tone, featuring reflections from Lionel Messi and some of his teammates, while another pays homage to all the champions, with a subtle taunt aimed at the French.
A Tribute to the Historic Victory
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The clothing brand that outfits the AFA teams, Adidas, has presented a documentary titled “Alta en el cielo: The story of Messi and Argentina after their historic victory in the 2022 World Cup.” This documentary captures the emotions experienced during the month when Argentinians vibrated like never before in celebration of this triumph.
The focus of the documentary is to showcase what Messi’s teammates truly think about the captain of the national team, beyond his exceptional technical abilities that have earned him the title of the world’s best player. It begins by delving into some of Messi’s early moments with La Albiceleste, such as the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands and his remarkable goal against Brazil, tracing his journey through the competition that ultimately led Argentina to victory.
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Aside from Leo, other players featured in the documentary include Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, Lisandro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Paulo Dybala, Ángel Correa, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Foyth, and Exequiel Palacios. Each of them provides a unique perspective on the unforgettable tournament and the profound bond that victory has forged between them and their fans.
The comments in the documentary shed light on Messi’s values and principles, not only in his interactions with his teammates but also with everyone involved in the Argentine delegation, including the staff and other AFA members. Messi treats everyone with equal respect, showcasing his remarkable humility, as emphasized by “Dibu” Martínez.
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Furthermore, De Paul highlights Messi’s resilience as an example, particularly after the difficult moments that led him to announce his retirement from the National Team following lost finals. In the documentary, Messi himself admits, “Fortunately, I regretted that decision and made a comeback.”
“Playing for the national team has always been a tremendous source of pride for me. I did it with great enthusiasm. Despite the tough times I went through, it brings me immense joy to have achieved all of this with the National Team. But what I’ve heard many times is that I never gave up, despite the numerous setbacks,” stated Leo.
An example of Messi’s perseverance is highlighted in the friendly match against Panama in March, which marked the celebration of the World Cup victory. Despite missing three free kicks, hitting the post twice and having one saved by the goalkeeper, Messi’s determination remained unwavering.
“Through football, the result, and the game itself, we were able to momentarily escape the madness that we experience on a daily basis. Taking that joy back home, even if only for a short while, and witnessing the madness that people took to the streets to celebrate was truly remarkable,” added Messi.
“I didn’t want to be left with the feeling that opportunities had passed me by, that I hadn’t seized them, and that I hadn’t been there to give it my all. I had achieved everything at the club and individual level. Winning something with the National Team was something special, given how deeply Argentinians cherish football,” stressed Leo.
“Now, as I near the end of my career, having won everything, I am truly savoring this moment. I’ve learned that it’s not just about winning. The journey itself has taught me valuable life lessons. I believe that pursuing your dreams, trying your best, and never giving up is what truly matters,” he concluded.
On another note, the AFA created a delightful video with a playful jab at France, featuring a “chef” explaining the ingredients needed to obtain the “Three Stars” of the Michelin system, which originated in France in 1936 and represents culinary excellence. Throughout the video, the chef mentions various condiments that are cleverly associated with some of the players from the Argentine National Team.
Always accompanied by a smile and adding a touch of spice to her comments, the chef concludes by stating that “the taste of the third star is unparalleled.” To celebrate, she raises a glass and exclaims, “Here’s to toasting six months of champagne football!”
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