Football
ESPN staff 10y

Lionel Messi dreaming of glory

Argentina star Lionel Messi has expressed his delight at reaching the World Cup final and insisted: "The dream is not over yet."

- Marcotti: Messi makes difference when it matters
- Kuper: Maradona's shadow looms over Messi
- Hesse: Familiar foes meet in Rio
- German media confident of success

Germany are favourites to lift the trophy in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday after their 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the semifinals, but Messi -- who has enjoyed a hugely successful club career with Barcelona -- is determined to help Argentina to a third world title.

"Tomorrow, we will play the most important match of our lives for our country," he wrote. "My dreams and my hopes are being fulfilled due to the hard work and sacrifice of a team that has given everything from match one.

"We knew it was possible. Our people, the Argentineans, they have carried us here. But the dream is not over yet. Tomorrow we want to win and we are ready! #VamosArgentina #allin"

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));

Post by Leo Messi.

Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella said his players would have to "play a perfect game" if they are to succeed.

Asked how they would accomplish that, he said: "We will give everything we've got. Through humility, sacrifice, hard work, simplicity. By giving instead of taking, by forgiving instead of complaining."

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

^ Back to Top ^