Lionel Messi left an Argentinian journalist stunned after revealing he actually wore the lucky ribbon given to him on behalf of his mother.
Argentina struggled throughout the group stage after only managing a draw with Iceland and a being humbled by Croatia, meaning it was all on the final game against Nigeria.
Messi starred – and scored a wonderful three-touch goal – with Argentina winning 2-1 late on to set up a Round of 16 tie with France on Sunday.
After the initial draw with Iceland on 16th June, where Messi actually missed a penalty to cost Argentina victory, journalist Rama Pantorotto was interviewing him in the mixed zone for Argentine television and gave him a red ribbon that his mother asked him to pass on to the Barcelona star.
Pantorotto said at the time: “My mum told me to give this to you, my mum loves you more than she loves me. I carry her red ribbon for good luck, if you want it, I can give it to you. It’s from my mum so make sure to keep it safe because you’re kind of jinxed now.”
Messi took the ribbon and nothing more was thought of it, but then on Tuesday, following the euphoric victory over Nigeria, Pantorotto again stopped him in the mixed zone.
“I don’t know if you remember, but my mother gave you a ribbon,” he said.
Then, with a smile, Messi replied “look at this”, before pulling down the sock on his left foot and revealing the same red ribbon tied around his ankle.
Pantorotto then turned to the camera in complete disbelief before saying: “Mum, Messi wore it!”
The ribbon took on extra significance as it was tied around the same foot which so delicately produced one of the touches of the tournament for his opening goal against Nigeria.
Will he keep wearing it?
