Messi: Thanks to this team, I can play in another World Cup

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has expressed his gratitude for the unwavering efforts of his teammates, which he credits for enabling him to compete in the World Cup even at the age of 39. The right winger scored the opening goal in last night's thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, marking his seventh goal of the tournament.

“Thanks to this team and these teammates, I can play in another World Cup today and continue to compete. As I’ve said before, I know they put in extra effort so I can keep playing. They do it from the heart because they truly feel it, not out of obligation. The truth is, I am very grateful and happy to play alongside my teammates, who are also my friends. This is a very pleasant and cohesive group. It makes me happy to hear all these wonderful words.”

Regarding Lisandro Martinez's acknowledgment that Messi serves as his inspiration, Messi commented, “Yes, I know he is very fond of me, and that goes for the entire squad. They always say kind words to me and prove it day after day. Honestly, it makes me happy. Anyway, I already know how they feel. Licha is very close to me; he tells me things directly, so I already knew about his admiration,” Messi said after the win.

Meanwhile, the Albiceleste captain was mobbed by Cape Verde players eager for photos and autographs. This prompted a humorous remark from Argentine journalist Matías Palacios, who quipped, “Look, the players who made you suffer are now waiting for photos and your autographs.” Messi responded in a similarly lighthearted tone, “They were also asking for my jersey, even though they were constantly kicking me.”