Lionel Messi's unending resolve

Having carried Argentina into the final with a dramatic comeback win over England, Lionel Messi spoke after the match about how he prepared for this final major tournament of his career. The 39-year-old star gave a clear response to speculation surrounding his age and recent form: "Contrary to what people thought, I hadn't lost my motivation. I've been preparing non-stop for this World Cup for a year. I spent December in Argentina. I worked constantly to arrive at the tournament ready."

These words align perfectly with his performance on the pitch. Messi played the decisive role in his team's comeback against England, assisting both Enzo Fernández's 85th-minute equalizer and Lautaro Martínez's extra-time winner. With that performance, the Argentina captain claimed his 5th Man of the Match award of the tournament and also sits atop the Golden Boot race with 8 goals.

The details Messi shared about his preparation show that even at this stage of his career, the star has not compromised on discipline. A year of uninterrupted preparation and specifically spending December in Argentina stand as clear evidence that the 39-year-old is approaching this World Cup not as an ordinary tournament, but as one of the peak moments of his career. Argentina will look to reap the rewards of their captain's resolve in Sunday's final against Spain.

Image: Al Jazeera