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Messi on target to match Maradona

AFP
Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with his teammates after winning their FIFA World Cup semi-final match against the Netherlands in a penalty shoot-out following extra time at The Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on July 9, 2014. AFP
Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with his teammates after winning their FIFA World Cup semi-final match against the Netherlands in a penalty shoot-out following extra time at The Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on July 9, 2014. AFP

Lionel Messi says Argentina have "one little step left" to climb against Germany in the World Cup final on Sunday where he has the chance to emulate Diego Maradona.

If Messi can match Maradona and captain Argentina to World Cup glory this will be remembered as his tournament.

Success will be even sweeter with the title coming in arch-rival Brazil's own backyard.

Wednesday's tense 4-2 semi-final penalty shoot-out win over the Netherlands kept Messi on track to emulate the Maradona-inspired 1986 title win.

"I am proud to be part of this squad. They are all phenomenal. What a performance they put in. And we are in the final!! "It's crazy. Let's enjoy it. We have one little step left."

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