'I'm being serious': Argentina TV reporter gives Lionel Messi emotional speech

Argentina’s fans have already made their mark in Qatar with their passion in the stands. Now even the media have got in on the act after a TV journalist went off script following Lionel Messi’s mesmeric performance in guiding his country to the World Cup final.

Messi, playing at his fifth World Cup, was speaking to Television Publica reporter Sofia Martinez following Argentina’s 3-0 win over Croatia, as La Albiceleste secured a second final berth in three World Cup editions.

In an emotional statement at the end of their post-match interview, Martinez revealed just what the talismanic 35-year-old meant to millions of fans back in Argentina, regardless of Sunday’s result.

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Martinez said: “The last thing I want to tell you and it's not a question, but I just wanted to say the World Cup final is coming and sure, we all [Argentinians] want to win the cup.

"I just want to tell you that no matter the results, there's something that no one can take from you, and it's the fact you resonated with Argentinians, every single one. I'm being serious.

"There's no kid who doesn't have your team flannel, no matter if it's a fake, real or a made up one. Truly, you made your mark in everyone's life. And that, to me, is beyond winning any World Cup.”

In response, a touched Messi, who won man-of-the-match after netting a penalty before brilliantly setting up one of Julian Alvarez’s two goals, said he “felt the love of the people”.

He added: “It is no longer only the result but the road we have traveled. Before in Argentina, it was valued to win or lose, but I think people now value other things.”

Argentina are chasing their first World Cup title since Diego Maradona led La Albiceleste to glory in 1986. Messi will run out for a record 26th World Cup appearance on Sunday, beating Lothar Matthaus' old mark.

He also revealed after the Croatia win that the final will mark his last appearance at a World Cup.

“There’s a lot of years until the next one and I don’t think I have it in me and finishing like this is best,” said Messi.

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“[I feel] a lot of happiness to be able to achieve this. To finish my World Cup career playing my last game in a final.

“Everything I’ve lived in this World Cup, what people experienced and how much the people back in Argentina are enjoying it all is very emotional.”

Watch: Croatia president hits out at penalty calls after semi-final defeat