Video: Lionel Messi’s inspiring dressing room speech before Copa America vs Brazil | OneFootball

Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Argentina have been termed as one of the runaway favourites alongside Brazil, Spain and France. They are, after all, coming off a Copa America win in 2021 and then Finalissima in 2022.

After years of silver medals, Lionel Messi lifted two consecutive trophies – both of which have been well documented. In fact, the story of Argentina’s Copa America win will be has been made into a documentary by Netflix.

Ahead of the release, Messi’s dressing room speech just before the final vs Brazil has surfaced, including some genuinely tear-enducing words.

“We know what Argentina is, we know what Brazil is. I don’t want to mention any of that today, we already know. Today I want to thank all of you. I want to thank all of you for these 45 days… I said it on my birthday, we are a spectacular group, a beautiful group, and I have enjoyed it very much,” Leo said, before adding:

“45 days where we have been together on the trips, in the hotels, in the meals, on the pitch… 45 days without seeing our families, guys…. 45 days! El Dibu [Emiliano Martínez] became a father in these 45 days and he couldn’t see his daughter… El Chino [Lucas Martínez] also became a dad, he only saw his baby for a little while…”

Messi continued to inspire the team in the huddle, saying, “And all for this moment. Because we had a goal, guys. We had a goal and we’re one step away from achieving it. One step away! And you know what’s the best thing of all? It’s up to us. This cup depends on us.”

“So that’s why today we’re going to go out on the pitch, we’re going to win this cup, and we’re going to take it back to Argentina to enjoy it with our families, our friends, the people who have always been fans of Argentina.”

Messi concluded his speech by mentioning the relocation of the competition, after it was shifted by Argentina to Brazil due to a high number of COVID-19 cases.

“Finally, there are no coincidences guys…. You know what? This cup was supposed to be played in Argentina, but God brought it here [Brazil]. God brought it here [Brazil] so that we win this cup in the Maracana, guys. So that it will be more beautiful for everybody. So don’t worry, we will win this cup! VAMOOOOOS.”