aArgentina’s U20 national team is back in the World Cup finals for the first time in 18 years. In the semi-finals, they narrowly defeated Colombia thanks to a goal from Matteo “Toto” Silvetti and earned a ticket to the final, where they will face Morocco, who defeated France and advanced in a penalty shootout.
This qualifier caused a wave of reactions and congratulations on social networks, but there was one special reaction that stood out above all. It was Lionel Messi, captain of the first team. The world champions congratulated the youth team on their victory with a short message highlighting the team’s top scorer and Inter Miami teammates.
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What did Lionel Messi say about the Argentina national team and Matteo Silvetti?
Minutes after securing his ticket to the grand final, Messi posted an Instagram story with the Argentine flag and clapping emojis, along with the message: “Let’s go to the final! Congratulations everyone! Grande Mateo Silvetti.” The message quickly spread on social networks, especially those congratulating Silvetti, who came off the bench after the round of 16 to score the winning goal.
His goal, scored in the 72nd minute after a great play by Gianluca Prestiani, was of great importance, as from that moment the team understood how to maintain the rhythm of the match, leaving the Colombian national team, now one player down, in despair. They will now face a tough test against Morocco, who finished as group leaders alongside Brazil, Spain and Mexico.
Messi’s achievements at the Youth World Cup: a story that repeats itself
At the 2005 U-20 World Cup, Messi was the top scorer and best player of the tournament in the Netherlands, and was a key player in Argentina’s last title win in that category. She later won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which had an age restriction.
Messi, now 38 years old and winner of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has shown support for youngsters, especially in recent tournaments where he failed to reach the final stages, but could win his seventh title in Chile in 2025.
The Grand Final will take place on Sunday, October 19th at 7pm ET at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Pradanos. Lionel Messi will definitely be keeping an eye on this match as he hopes his country can lift the cup.
