Lionel Messi assures that Argentina – victorious over Italy in the Finalissima (3-0) on Wednesday – has nothing to prove to European nations after the statements of Kylian Mbappé badly welcomed in South America.
Lionel Messi was very comfortable on Thursday evening during Argentina’s victory over Italy (3-0) at Wembley after the Finalissima, a match between the South American champions to the European champion.
Author of two assists, the PSG player was asked about Kylian Mbappé’s comments on the difference in adversity between South American and European nations.
“There are a lot of European teams, Mbappe confided in an interview with the Brazilian channel TNT Sports during his extension with PSG.
“The advantage we have, we the Europeans, is that we always play among ourselves and we have high level matches all the time, like in the Nations League. When we arrive at the World Cup, we are ready, where Brazil and Argentina do not have this level “There. In South America, football is not as advanced as in Europe. That’s why the last World Cups, if you look at it, it’s always the Europeans who win.” Mbappe concluded.
“It doesn’t matter who is in front”
Messi had already answered it in an interview with TyC Sports. He was asked again on the subject on Wednesday, assuring that Argentina did not particularly need to confront a European nation like Italy to calibrate its level.
“I don’t know if we needed it, he replied. We are aware of who we are and no matter who is in front (between European and South American football, editor’s note). We have played all the matches the same way, but it was a good test because Italy are a great team.”
“It was a balanced match until the first goal, he analyzed. It’s a great team and until the first 20 minutes it was difficult for us to control Jorginho, he was playing alone and we didn’t have our hands on the pressing, but after the first goal, the game completely changed. To end like that, with this happiness, is something beautiful. This group transmits a joy and a happiness that feels good, It happened to me all year every time I came. We played well and showed it once more.” Messi said.
“We will compete with anyone”
This second title in a year after the Copa America victory delights La Pulga, long weaned with the Albiceleste. But the Argentine star – who received a copy of the Copa America trophy – is not racing ahead of the World Cup.
“We continue to grow, that’s what we are looking for, he concluded. We look at this day by day, continue to improve and repeat over and over again that we are not the best candidates. We will compete with anyone. We have clear things, but we have to keep growing and improving things.”
