Rodrigo De Paul reveals Lionel Messi's inspirational speech before extra time vs France

Argentina lifted their third World Cup title in Qatar, after holding their nerves in a historic final against France. There was nothing to separate the two sides after 120 minutes, with the score reading 3-3. Argentina dominated the game for the vast majority, before Kylian Mbappe sprung back into life and forced the game into extra time.

Leading 2-0 at one point in time, the Argentinian team was shell shocked at what had just unfolded. Argentine midfielder, Rodrigo De Paul reveals the inspirational speech made by Lionel Messi just prior to extra-time.

Lionel Messi rallied his team to come back stronger in the extra-time, and they did just that. The 35-year-old netted his second goal of the finals to put his side in the lead. However, a late penalty meant that the final would be decide in a shootout.

“Before extra time Leo Messi made a speech to us. He said ;

Don't you know football? Were they (France)not expected to score against us? Come on! the champion is the one who stays on his feet in the toughest moments and gets back up again. It pumped us up.”

Argentina were crowned the World Champions after a gap of 36 years, when Diego Maradona led his nation to the title in 1986. This comes after Lionel Messi and Co.  succumbed to Saudi Arabia in their first league stage encounter. However, from there on, Argentina found their rhythm, and there was no stopping them.