Lionel Messi, one of football's greatest players, has shared insights into his surprisingly calm preparations for the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, reported by GOAL. Despite the immense pressure and high stakes, Messi kept his cool with a card game and a chat with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, the night before the big match.

The weight of expectations was immense as Argentina faced France in the 2022 World Cup final. Kylian Mbappe and his French teammates were formidable opponents, and Messi had the added burden of wanting to secure the elusive global crown. The memory of the 2014 final loss still lingered, adding to the pressure.

Messi, however, has mastered the art of staying calm under pressure throughout his illustrious career. Instead of letting the magnitude of the event affect him, he spent a relaxed evening with his teammates, engaging in their usual routine. They talked, drank mate, and played cards, maintaining a sense of normalcy.

A calm evening for Lionel Messi

In an interview with ESPN Argentina, Messi explained how he spent the night before the final: “Just like every night. We always got together with the boys to talk, drink mate, play cards and that night was the same as always. Before going to sleep, I spoke with Antonela, as we did every night, and went to sleep. We were very calm. Although we knew that we were going to play against a very tough opponent because of the players they had and because they had also had a spectacular World Cup. We had been very calm and confident. At that moment the group had passed many tests and was more than prepared to play in that final.”

Messi’s confidence stemmed from the team’s journey and the tests they had overcome together. This sense of preparation and unity was crucial in maintaining a calm demeanor ahead of one of the most important matches of his career.

Pre-game talk from Messi

As the captain, Messi was responsible for delivering a pre-match team talk. Unlike the emotional speech he gave before the 2021 Copa America final, Messi's talk before the World Cup final was more focused on the game itself. He emphasized strategy and what could happen during the match rather than trying to motivate the team emotionally.

Messi reflected on the difference between the Copa America final and the World Cup final: “The Copa America was a special moment because of how we arrived, because of everything we had experienced during those 40 days. A special moment in the world due to the pandemic. We had to be alone, isolated, go play on empty fields because we were playing without an audience. At the World Cup it was a talk like we always do, more thinking about the game and what could happen than emotionally or motivationally. It was something more about the game.”

Lionel Messi's performance

Messi’s preparations paid off. He scored two goals in the final against France, and also converted his penalty in the shootout. Argentina won 4-2 on spot-kicks, leading to jubilant celebrations in the Albiceleste camp.

This victory was not just a win for Messi but a historic moment for Argentina, ending their long wait for a World Cup triumph. Messi’s leadership and ability to stay calm under immense pressure were key factors in their success.

While Messi has hinted at continuing his international career, potentially through the 2026 World Cup, his focus now returns to his club duties with Inter Miami. His legacy, however, is firmly cemented with the 2022 World Cup victory, adding to an already remarkable career.

Messi’s story from the 2022 World Cup final is a testament to his incredible composure and leadership, showcasing why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time.