Leo Messi is not usually a man of words, but yesterday he chose to appear in front of the media at Argentina's press conference ahead of their first match in the tournament today (Tuesday) against Saudi Arabia.
"I'm perfectly fine physically," the star opened his words, "I feel good."
Messi chose to speak this way in front of the media, because in recent days others have spoken on his behalf.
The Argentinian media dealt a lot with his health condition, not always accurate in details, so much so that a certain media outlet even published a photo from the Copa America 2021 final in which the number 10's leg is seen to be swollen, and reported that the captain is doubtful for the opening match.
Such news at such a time could collapse an entire country, but it was quickly made clear in the delegation that the big star is healthy and fit for his moment of truth.
His words, which opened the press conference of the Argentina national team, were therefore necessary for the mood of an entire nation.
Messi in training.
Business as usual, photo: Getty Images
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And this nation came to Qatar.
Yesterday, 24 hours before Argentina took the field, the blue and white army appeared throughout Doha with songs and dances.
Thousands came to the promenade area, where they showcased the new song written in honor of the event - which, just like those of 2014 and 2018, includes the names of Diego Armando Maradona and Messi, contains a jab at Brazil and hints at the great ambition of the Argentines to return the World Cup, for the first time since 1986 - and stands out as one of the musical hits of this tournament.
Argentina fans painted Qatar, photo: Reuters
Everything will rise and fall on him
The Argentine fans, the vast majority of whom wear shirts with the number 10 on the back, are well aware of the situation.
They believe that the current team is better than the one that messed up in Russia four years ago, and are aware that everything will rise and fall at Leo's feet.
"This is a very special tournament for me", Messi reinforced this feeling, "This is probably my last World Cup and I will try to fulfill my dream".
In his fifth tournament, Messi is of course the big story.
For many players in the squad this is the first World Cup, and the role of the captain will be particularly significant.
Leo Messi.
Will he celebrate like this on December 18 as well?, Photo: AFP
In the last training sessions, coach Lionel Scoloni and his team are trying to put together the ten that will support the captain in the best possible way, and as of these moments there are two main debates: for the left back position, Marcus Acuna and Nicolas Tagliapico are competing, while Alexis McAllister is fighting for the slot left by the injured Giovanni Lo Celso and Papo Gomes.
What is certain - whoever gets the team shirt will be well aware of his role: to support Messi so he can do his thing.
Beviner ratio for an Argentina win 1.10, for a draw 6.90 and for a Saudi Arabia win 17.50
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