Sports

Messi ready for 'most important match'

Staff Correspondent
Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi celebrates his team's victory at the end of the semi-final football match between Netherlands and Argentina of the FIFA World Cup at The Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on July 9, 2014. Argentina won 4-2 on penalties. AFP
Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi celebrates his team's victory at the end of the semi-final football match between Netherlands and Argentina of the FIFA World Cup at The Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on July 9, 2014. Argentina won 4-2 on penalties. AFP

Argentina captain Lionel Messi says he and his team-mates are ready for "the most important match of our lives" Sunday against Germany in the World Cup final.

"Tomorrow, we will play the most important match of our lives for our country," the Barcelona superstar wrote on his official Facebook page.

"My dreams and my hopes are being fulfilled due to the hard work and sacrifice of a team that has given everything from match one.

"We knew it was possible. Our people, the Argentinians, they have carried us here. But the dream is not over yet. Tomorrow we want to win and we are ready!"

Messi, who has four goals at the World Cup, has been named on the shortlist for the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament's outstanding player. 

Argentina's defender Jose Maria Basanta gives a press conference at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on July 12, 2014, on the eve of the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match Germany vs Argentina. AFP

Basanta: 'Magic' Argentina must enjoy final

Argentina defender Jose Maria Basanta believes his team have been "touched by a magic wand" and has urged his colleagues to enjoy Sunday's World Cup final against Germany.

"The dream is a dream that belongs to all," the left-back told Saturday's pre-game press conference at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

"We've been touched by a magic wand and we have to enjoy this moment. It's once-in-a-lifetime, a dream come true, but we have to enjoy it. It will be over very quickly.

"Let's be happy when we remember all the efforts we've made to get here, as well as the efforts of our families." 

West German forward Rudi Voeller (L) fights for the ball with Argentinian Jose Serrizuela during the soccer World Cup final Argentina vs West Germany, 08 July 1990 in Rome. AFP

Argentina v Germany all-time results

Matches between Argentina and Germany:

Total matches played: 21

Argentina wins: 9

Germany wins: 7

Draws: 5

08/06/58: World Cup - West Germany 3 Argentina 1

16/07/66: World Cup - Argentina 0 West Germany 0

03/07/74: World Cup - Argentina 1 East Germany 1

29/06/86: World Cup - Argentina 3 West Germany 2

08/07/90: World Cup - West Germany 1 Argentina 0

30/06/06: World Cup - Germany 1 Argentina 1 (Germany win 4-2 on penalties)

03/07/10: World Cup - Argentina 0 Germany 4

Other competitions:

01/01/81: Copo D'Oro - Argentina 2 West Germany 1

21/06/05: Confederations Cup - Germany 2 Argentina 2

Friendlies:

Argentina wins: 7

Germany wins: 3

Draws: 2

Read More