Unique Gift From Reporter Lionel Messi Wore During World Cup Final

Lionel Messi is rightly being celebrated for his achievements in soccer and inspiring Argentina to win the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.

While a lot of skill and dedication have been required for him to achieve G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) status and World Cup glory, there could be another factor that helped him and Argentina to victory in Qatar.

It dates back to the previous World Cup tournament in Russia in 2018, when Messi was handed a red ribbon which has now become a symbol of fortune for him and his teammates during difficult times.

Four years ago, Argentinian journalist Rama Pantarotto handed the ribbon to Messi when Argentina were struggling in the group stages of the tournament.

The reporter told the iconic soccer star: "My mum loves you more than she loves me, I carry her red ribbon for good luck. If you want it, I can give it to you."

Messi replied: "Yeah, sure!"

The reporter replied: "It's from my mum so please keep it safe."

A few days later, Messi scored his first goal of the 2018 World Cup during a victory over Nigeria in St. Petersburg and after the game he spoke to the same reporter.

The reporter asked Messi: "I don't know if you remember, but my mum gave you a ribbon."

Messi replied triumphantly: "Look at this."

He showed that he was was wearing the ribbon around his ankle to which the amazed reported exclaimed: "No way, No way! Did you really wear the red ribbon around your ankle?"

Messi replied: "Yes, here it is."

Holding his hands to heaven, the reporter said: "Dear Mommy, Messi wore it!"

The ribbon has since been a constant source of good fortune for Messi and his teammates, with the star player giving it to his teammates when he felt that they needed a boost in confidence.

While at Barcelona, during the 2018/19 season, he gave it to Brazilian Philippe Coutinho who was experiencing a difficult start to his career at the Spanish club after arriving from Liverpool.

Messi later gave it to striker Paulo Dybala, who was having a tough time with the national team and finding it difficult to get a goal.

When he is not trying to help someone else, the red ribbon has been tied around Messi's left ankle as he continues to believe that it is giving him confidence and luck at crucial moments during games.

The latest recipient of the red ribbon was Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who tied the lucky charm to himself just before the penalty shootout to decide the World Cup final against France.

Martinez then pulled off a huge save and his antics in goal were enough to distract the French in other penalties, leading Argentina to win the shootout 4-2.

After the game, Messi got the ribbon back and was pictured wearing it during Argentina's joyous celebrations in the dressing room.

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