Argentina's National Team To The 2022 World Cup Finals, Lionel Messi: Losing To Saudi Arabia Is A Hard Blow For Us

Argentine national team player, Lionel Messi. (Photo: Twitter @Argentina)

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi praised the Argentine national team players after stepping into the 2022 World Cup final. He said the mentality of the Albiceleste players was extraordinary.

Argentina went to the final after beating Croatia in the top four with a score of 3-0, Wednesday, December 14, 2022. In fact, they were doubtful after losing to Saudi Arabia in their first group stage match.

Messi said that Argentine players channeled their disappointment over the defeat into a motivation to save their fortunes in this tournament.

"In my opinion, the first game was a tough blow for all of us because we were unbeaten in 36 games. Starting like that was a hard blow," Messi told a news conference after Croatia's match.

"We don't think we will lose to Saudi. It was a difficult test, but we have shown how strong we are. It's very difficult what we do, because every game is final and it brings a mental burden. We realized if we didn't win, things would be more complicated."

"We have played five finals and, fortunately, were able to win them. I hope this will be the same for the final. Internally we believe we will succeed because we know what we can do," he continued, as quoted from Live Score, Wednesday, December 14.

According to Messi, the defeat to Saudi Arabia has helped Albiceleste become stronger and develop in the 2022 World Cup. He also said that his team was getting more solid internally as a squad.

Regarding the victory over Croatia, Messi feels Albiceleste's intelligence and will to "suffering" is key.

"I would say this squad, beyond collective power, is very smart and wise, we know how to read the game and every moment," said Messi.

"That's something the coach said before, it's a very smart squad. We know when to suffer, when to press. We know how to read the game, we know what to do all the time, how to win," said Messi again.

Messi has now recorded eight goal involvements (five goals, three assists) in Qatar. The former Barcelona player outperformed Kylian Mbappe (five goals, two assists) before the French semifinals meeting with Morocco.

The player, nicknamed Messiah, admitted that he enjoys every minute in the 2022 World Cup.

"Well, all I can say is I really enjoy this, I feel really good, I feel strong enough to face every game," said Messi.

"Personally, I can say that I feel very happy throughout this World Cup, I really enjoy it, and fortunately I was able to help the whole squad make it happen," he concluded.