Lionel Messi celebrates World Cup final berth, credits team's sustained success

Lionel Messi marked Argentina's progression to another World Cup final, highlighting the team's consistent performance and achievements over the last four years. He asserted that their journey to two consecutive finals is a testament to their hard work and dedication, stating, "nobody gave us anything for free."

"We are world champions, we have been the best for the last four years, whether people like it or not and whatever they say," Messi declared after the match. "Today, once again, we are among the two best in the world. This shows that everything we did was not by chance and that nobody gave us anything for free. Achieving two World Cup finals in a row is not for nothing, and this group has achieved it."

Argentina's recent success includes winning the Copa América twice and the World Cup once in the past five years. Despite these victories, Messi indicated the team remains hungry for more. He expressed anticipation for the final against Spain, a team he knows well.

"It is a huge national team with great players, with a style of play," Messi analyzed. "It's a football philosophy they have had for many years, and I know the players well. I have faced them and I follow them. So, it will be a special match, a World Cup final, and I imagine it will be very even."

Lautaro Martínez, who scored the final goal, added that Argentina will face a "rival of great hierarchy, who has not lost in 37 matches." He stressed the importance of rest and recovery to prepare optimally for the final.