Lionel Messi opens up just a few days before the World Cup final against Spain. The captain of Argentina spoke to Repubblica without wanting to close the door on the future: “I don’t want to say that this will be my last World Cup or anything like that. I’m just thinking about enjoying it to the fullest. It will be whatever God wants, once again.”

The very presence of La Pulga at this competition was not a given. “It’s true, I often talked about it with Scaloni, we discussed it, I decided at the last minute. In the last Copa America I wasn’t at my best and I would only have come here if I managed to arrive in top condition, to continue being useful for the team. Thank God I made it: I knew I would be up to the task and now I’m enjoying it.”

The semifinal win against England has a special flavor for every Argentine. “Without mixing things up and staying only in the sporting context, yes, I was missing it, with everything this challenge represents for the history of football, for us Argentines and for our history. I am very proud and happy to have been able to give this special joy to the people: no Argentine wanted to lose this match.”

The criticism received by the Albiceleste national team does not seem to shake the group’s confidence. “This group continues to play very well even in the most difficult situations. We come from a World Cup victory and, whether people like it or not and regardless of what is said, we are in the final again.” Before the match with the English, the team tried to manage the tension: “Before playing it we tried to tell ourselves it was just a football match, but from the anthems we already understood it was something special. People wanted this victory more than any other.”

The celebrations at home have not gone unnoticed. “Yes, yes, I know how happy people are there. My mother, my family, sent me photos of people celebrating. I spoke with my father, my mother, my uncles and some of my brothers who are in Argentina, this also makes everything even more special. And even in the United States the atmosphere is always incredible.”

Argentina arrived at the tournament amid doubts and skepticism. “We arrived with many doubts and a lot of criticism, but I knew that this group always competes at the highest level and that, when united, it manages to find resources even where it seems there are none. I was convinced we would at least reach the top four and, thank God, we are among the top two. We came here as world champions, we have been the best team in the world for the last four years, like it or not, and we have shown it once again on the pitch: no one gives us anything and we are in the final again.”

Tactically, the key against England was finding the right spaces. “They blocked me when I tried to move inside, so I moved to the wing, found the space and managed to make that cross with my right foot for Lautaro.”

Now the final obstacle will be the Spanish national team. “They are a great national team, with extraordinary players and a well-defined playing identity. It’s a footballing philosophy they’ve carried on for many years and I know it very well. I also know the players: I’ve faced many of them and I keep following them. Some still play for Barcelona, a club I will always love and continue to follow. It will be a special, very balanced match.”

Finally, a thought for Diego Maradona. “It’s better not to make comparisons, Diego was truly great. I never wanted to compare myself to him, for me he is the greatest of all time. We shared wonderful moments. In 2010, at the World Cup, he had a fantastic run. Today, wherever he is, he will be happy to enjoy all this, for everything the national team meant to him, where he left a legacy. It’s a gift for him.”

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