Lionel Messi has revealed that one of his sons cried after Argentina’s shock defeat to Saudi Arabia at the World Cup.
Against all odds, Saudi Arabia came from a goal down to beat Argentina 2-1 in what came as a shocking result for many football fans around the world.
However, Messi and his teammates bounced back from their defeat to Saudi Arabia as they secured a win against Mexico in their second group-stage match on Saturday 26th of November 2022.
Had Argentina lost their second game, they would have crashed out of the tournament following their shock opening-match loss against Saudi Arabia.
Messi, The 35-year-old scored from the penalty spot in the first half, only for the Saudis to come roaring back in the second half to seal a shock 2-1 win.
Argentina’s defeat left their legions of fans devastated. And none more so than Mateo Messi who left the stadium heartbroken.
The seven-year-old is in Qatar with his mum Antonela and brothers Thiago, (ten), and Ciro, (four).
Speaking about the aftermath of the Saudi Arabia match, Lionel Messi said: “After the first game, Mateo left the pitch crying.
“Thiago doing the math, explaining to him that if we won both games we would qualify.”
It has been a pressure-filled week for Argentina, who are one of the most fervent football nations in the tournament. They entered the World Cup with a 36-match unbeaten run and as one of the favourites to win the competition. Hence, the emotion of falling to Saudi Arabia was evident on the Argentine bench during the match.
Messi helped his country take a huge step toward the last 16 on Saturday by scoring a brilliant opener as his second goal in the tournament.
Against Mexico, it was not until Messi’s moment of magic, finding space 25 yards from goal and nestling the bottom corner of the net with a rasping effort 20 minutes after the break that the tension on the team was lifted.
Antonela and the kids were in the stands, celebrating wildly when Lionel Messi netted against Mexico.
After the 2-0 win, Messi’s wife posted a snap on Instagram of her and their sons after the match, all smiling and decked out in Argentina shirts.
Little Mateo Messi isn’t the only Argentine that has been tearful this week.
Albiceleste legend and current assistant manager Pablo Aimar also cried with happiness on the bench after Messi’s goal against Mexico.
The head coach of the team, Lionel Scaloni was also spotted shedding tears after Messi’s goal against Mexico which explains the amount of pressure on him and the rest of his team members.
What’s next for Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi and his teammates will be looking forward to securing their place in the last 16 at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar as they face Poland on Wednesday 30th of November 2022, at Stadium 974 – Ras Abu Aboud, in their final group stage match.
