Why Lionel Messi was wearing a red ribbon around his ankle during the World Cup final

Four years in the past Lionel Messi was given a fortunate red ribbon which belonged to the mom of an Argentinian journalist – and photographs from Argentina’s celebrations after successful the World Cup recommend the soccer icon could have been wearing that very same ribbon during the final.

Messi was given the ribbon by journalist Rama Pantarotto after Argentina drew with Iceland of their opening match of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, a sport wherein Messi missed a penalty.

“My Mum loves you more than she loves me,” Pantarotto stated as he handed over the reward. “I carry her red ribbon for good luck. If you want it, I can give it to you.”

Pantarotto handed it over and he was shocked when, later in the similar event, Messi spoke to him in the press space and confirmed the ribbon around his ankle, which he was wearing when he scored a memorable purpose in opposition to Nigeria. “Mum, Messi wore it!” the journalist stated to the digicam.

On Sunday, after Argentina beat France by penalty shootout at the finish of one in all the best World Cup finals ever performed, Messi posted a image on Instagram of him holding the Jules Rimet trophy alongside teammate Gonzalo Montiel in the dressing room.

His naked ankle revealed he was wearing a red ribbon precisely like the one given to him by Pantarotto 4 years in the past.

Messi’s teammates have additionally been seen wearing red ribbons since the 2018 World Cup as fortunate charms. He gave one to former Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho, whereas Argentina’s Rodrigo de Paul, Lautaro Martinez and Emiliano Martinez have been noticed wearing one on their wrists in Qatar.

Messi has reached a take care of Paris St Germain to stick with the membership for no less than the 2023-24 season, French day by day Le Parisien reported on Wednesday.

“In early December, in the midst of the World Cup, an agreement was reached (for Messi) to stay on for at least one more season,” the paper stated.

Paris St Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi stated this month that Messi was blissful at the Ligue 1 champions, including that discussions about a contract extension can be held after the World Cup.

Messi, who has 12 targets and 14 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, moved to the French capital from Barcelona in 2021 on a two-year contract.