Everybody has a lucky charm that they think will bring them luck and success, and Lionel Messi is no exception! Leo was celebrating in the locker room following Argentina’s thrilling FIFA World Cup triumph against France when he was spotted with his “lucky” red ribbon around his left ankle. Yes, spectators saw him wearing his fortunate charm during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which brought them back to the wonderful tale of how it all began!
It all started in 2018 when Argentina defeated Iceland 1–1 in their FIFA World Cup Group D match. Messi looked to have had a terrible day as he failed to find the net and even missed a penalty kick that would have won the game. However, the tale began when Argentine journalist Rama Pantarotto, who was carrying his mother’s amulet as a lucky charm, gave him a red ribbon after the game. The journalist added, “My mother loves you more than she loves me.” “I carry her red ribbon for good luck,” he continued. I can give it to you if you want it. Because it belonged to his mother and the amulet would benefit him because he was feeling “kind of jinxed” at the moment, Pantarotto even insisted on keeping it secure. Messi grinned and accepted the ribbon that would always be a part of him!
Another game saw Messi net a goal in Argentina’s 2-1 victory over Nigeria in their last group match, securing their spot in the Round of 16. But Messi won everyone over with his heartfelt gesture during the news conference. When Pantarotto questioned Messi about the red ribbon, which he thought the Argentine captain would have thrown away, the captain showed that he was a man of his word! “I’m not sure whether you recall. However, Pantarotto questioned, “But my mother gave you a ribbon.” Messi grinned and replied, “Look at this.” The reporter was taken aback when the famous football player revealed to the camera that he was sporting a crimson amulet on his left ankle. He looked up to the sky and said, “Dear Mom, Messi wore it.”
In the FIFA World Cup 2022, Messi shared a photo of himself in the locker room with Gonzalo Montiel, clutching the trophy, and he was seen wearing the same red ribbon around his left ankle. The photo showed his bare ankle, where he had worn the fortunate charm that had been gifted to him four years prior. What a good man!
In a video sent to Twitter, Messi’s incredible gesture moved supporters to tears and demonstrated why he is referred to as the “Greatest of All Time”!