Lionel Messi and Argentina is surprisingly getting support from Brazilian Legend Rivaldo to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
After defeating Croatia 3-0 with ease in the semifinals, Argentina advanced to the World Cup final in which they will take on France on Sunday.
The PSG attacker has been one of the stars of the major tournament and is now tied for the most goals with France’s Kylian Mbappe with five goals each.
The 2002 World Cup champion Rivaldo has stated that he will support Argentina in the World Cup final since Brazil has been eliminated. The Brazilian legend feels that Messi deserves to win the World Cup which is the only trophy lacking from his trophy-laden career.
Rivaldo is, however, courting the anger of his country by openly supporting Messi and Argentina.
He shared a photo of Messi on Instagram with the remark, “We no longer have Brazil or @neymarjr in this cup final, so I’m going with Argentina.”
“No words for you Lionel Messi, you already deserved to be World Champion before, but God knows all things and will crown you this Sunday.”
“You deserve this title for the person you are and for the wonderful football you have always played. I take off my hat and may God bless you.”
Messi has already won four man of the match awards in the tournament, and he now has a chance to take home the Golden Ball, Golden Boot, and of course, the World Cup trophy.
After scoring in their victory over Croatia, the 35-year-old has also eclipsed Gabriel Batistuta to become Argentina’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup finals.
After making his 25th World Cup match, Messi also tied the record for most World Cup appearances held by the late Lothar Matthaus of Germany.
If Messi plays in the final on Sunday against France, he will break Matthaus’ record with 26 World Cup matches.
Who Is Rivaldo?
Rivaldo Vtor Borba Ferreira, also known as Rivaldo, is a retired Brazilian football player who played primarily as an attacking midfielder but also occasionally as a second striker, wide midfielder, or winger. He was born on April 19, 1972.
Rivaldo was among the most talented and innovative players of his period and is considered as one of the greatest players of all time.
He was noted for his ability to both score and set up goals, as well as his bending free kicks, bicycle kicks, feints, and powerful ball striking from a distance.
He was awarded FIFA World Player of the Year and the winner of the Ballon d’Or in 1999. He was included by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest active players in the world in 2004.
Rivaldo, who represented Brazil in 74 games from 1993 to 2003 and scored 35 goals, is sixth all-time in goals scored by a Brazilian player.
He was voted the 1999 Copa América’s player of the year after helping Brazil win the competition and advancing to the FIFA World Cup final in 1998.
The victorious 2002 FIFA World Cup squad featured Rivaldo, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho as an attacking trio.
Rivaldo, who scored goals in five of Brazil’s seven tournament games, was named to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team in 2002 after also being chosen in 1998.
He is a member of the Hall of Fame of the Brazilian Football Museum.
Will Lionel Messi Win The World Cup?
After propelling his team to the championship game with a stunning performance in their 3-0 semi-final victory over Croatia, Lionel Messi has announced that Sunday’s Qatar 2022 final will be his final World Cup game for Argentina.
Messi had been hesitant to say whether or not this World Cup would be his last up to the conclusion of the match against Croatia, but the 35-year-old forward has acknowledged he couldn’t see himself playing until the 2026 tournament, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
During his team’s last-four match, Messi was once again in top form, scoring the first goal from the penalty spot and setting up Julian Alvarez for the third with an outstanding assist.
“I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final,” Messi said. “That is really very gratifying.”
“Everything I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina.”
“There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don’t think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant.”
After losing the 2014 World Cup final, Messi said this time he wants it to “truly happen” for Argentina, who lost their opening World Cup encounter against Saudi Arabia. Argentina will face France on Sunday.
“We are going to do our best, as we have done up until now, so that this time it really happens – we really win it,” the PSG Forward said.
“I have been enjoying it the past few years, being with the national side. I am really enjoying everything that is happening to us.”
