In the World Cup final, Lionel Messi wore a lucky red ribbon, finally winning the prize that had eluded him for so long.
Messi received an amulet from Argentine journalist Rama Pantarotto in the mixed zone at the 2018 World Cup in Russia after the Barcelona legend missed a penalty against Iceland. It belonged to the mother of the reporter.
He said to Messi, “My mother loves you more than she loves me; I bring her red ribbon for good luck.” I can give it to you if you want it.
Panaretto believed that even if Messi had agreed, he would have simply thrown the offer away.
Much to his delight, after scoring against Nigeria in the final group stage game, Messi revealed to him that he was wearing it around his left ankle.
In an emotional moment, Pantarotto turned to the camera and said, “Mum… Messi wore it.”
Considering the lucky charm to be a good idea, Messi gave Philippe Coutinho a red amulet in 2019 while the Brazilian was having trouble at Barcelona.
When he joined with Aston Villa in January of this year, the Brazilian was still seen walking around with it on. Many Argentina players, though, have also been seen wearing crimson amulets.
We doubt that the same one was given to everyone, but Paulo Dybala confirmed that Messi delivered it to him before he scored Argentina’s first ever competitive goal.
A red bracelet has been seen on the wrists of Angel di Maria, Rodrigo de Paul, and Lautaro Martinez recently. Emiliano Martinez wore the bracelet as he accepted the Golden Glove award and during the final penalty shootout when he saved Kingsley Coman’s spot-kick.
But more importantly, Messi has persisted in donning it throughout important matches as well as his free time. It is a representation of his accomplishments and was on his ankle in the dressing room after being named world champion.
Messi scored twice in the thrilling 3-3 tie, while Kylian Mbappe of PSG notched a hat-trick in the World Cup final but was still on the losing side.
Gonzalo Montiel converted the go-ahead penalty shoot to give Argentina a 4-2 victory in penalties and secure the South American team’s third World Cup. France had missed its first two attempts.
