Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has revealed how Lionel Messi motivated his teammates before the all-important FIFA World Cup final against France. La Albiceleste had lost their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia by 2-1 but they bounced back stronger in the upcoming matches to clinch their third title.

Messi was able to lead from the front as he scored a brace in the final against Les Bleus. The talisman had earlier confirmed that it will be his swansong at the World Cup and he had strong words to say before the final to motivate his troops.

Speaking to BBC (h/t GOAL), Mac Allister said: “Yeah, before every game he speaks. He says what he feels but he tries to get the pressure away from us. He is so important for us on and off the pitch. He [Lionel Messi] said it was going to be the last one and we knew that it was an important trophy that he was missing – the only one.”

“We did it for him. Of course, we wanted to win it as well for us but he is the one that deserves it alongside [Angel] Di Maria. They fought a lot in the last couple of years.”

Meanwhile, Messi had a great run in FIFA World Cup 2022, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. He also scored a goal and provided an assist in the all-important semi-final against Croatia.

On the other hand, Messi confirmed that he wants to keep playing for Argentina as a World Cup champion.

Messi had told TyC Sports: “No, I’m not going to be retiring from the Argentina national team. I want to continue playing as a champion of the world.”