Lionel Messi has been informed that a higher power is on his side in the World Cup final, in what will be his final chance to win the tournament.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar has led Argentina to football's showpiece event, scoring five goals across the tournament. The World Cup is the final trophy remaining that Messi has not been able to win, having come agonisingly close in 2014.
He will face either France or Morocco in a bid to finally end Argentina's 36-year wait for World Cup glory at Lusail Stadium on Sunday. Going into the game, he has been told he will have the added advantage of having God backing him to win.
That is the message from Brazilian legend Rivaldo, who won the World Cup with Selecao in 2002. The former striker has been watching on as the tournament has progressed in Qatar.
He saw his home country knocked out on penalties by Croatia in the quarter-finals, having been the pre-tournament favourites to lift the trophy. And with Messi putting on a masterclass with his performances, Rivaldo has put the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina to one side to throw his - and God's - support behind the superstar.
He posted a photo on Instagram of Messi celebrating Argentina's win over Croatia on Tuesday. His caption read: "We no longer have Brazil or Neymar in this cup final, so I'm going with Argentina.
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"No words for you Messi. You deserved to be World Champion before, but God knows all things and will crown you this Sunday, you deserve this title for the person you are and for the wonderful football you have always played. Hats off to you. God bless you."
Messi has admitted that Sunday's match will be his final World Cup game before he retires from international football. And he has insisted that his full focus is on finally lifting the famous trophy.
"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. Everything I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina," he said following the win over Croatia.
"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.
"I have been enjoying it the past few years, being with the national side. I am really enjoying everything that is happening to us. To get the Copa America, to reach the World Cup with 36 games unbeaten, and to finish all that trajectory in a final is just incredible.
"I hope the people in Argentina enjoy themselves and what we are doing. They shouldn't doubt we are giving absolutely everything. I feel very happy in this World Cup and I am able to help the squad."
