One of Lionel Messi's post-match interviews after the World Cup semi-final victory over Croatia went off-script and ended up quite emotional.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was at his brilliant best against Luka Modric and Co, opening the scoring with an expertly taken penalty before registering an assist that featured a sublime piece of dribbling before cutting the ball back into the path of Manchester City star Julian Alvarez.
Messi is now one game away from lifting football's most coveted trophy and in the eyes of many, completing his final mission before he can be widely heralded as the greatest player of all-time. Though he has had a turbulent relationship with Argentina fans in the past, it is clear Messi is now very much loved by those in his home country.
This was evident during his interview with one female reporter on Tuesday night, as she took the opportunity to explain to the global superstar just how loved he is both by her and by Argentinians far and wide.
Television Publica reporter Sofia Martinez paid tribute to the icon, telling Messi: "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.
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"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. No one can take that from you and this is my gratitude, for the amount of happiness you bring to a lot of people."
The touching speech did not end there, with Martinez adding: "I seriously hope you take those words into your heart because I really believe that's more important than winning a World Cup and you already have it. So thank you, captain."
Messi appeared moved by the kind words, smiling throughout the entire interview before replying with a heartfelt message of his own.
He confirmed that whatever happens on Sunday, it will be his last outing for his country at a World Cup and potentially full-stop.
"I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying," Messi added.
"Everything I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina. There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don't think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant.
"We are going to do our best, as we have done up until now, so that this time it really happens - we really win it."
