“For three days I was in pain” - When ex-Manchester United captain opened up on Lionel Messi and Argentina winning World Cup

Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra revealed when Lionel Messi made him cry in his car. The France international admitted that the 2022 FIFA World Cup left him emotional.

France were on the verge of defending their title in Qatar in 2022 but were beaten on penalties by Lionel Messi's Argentina. Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria had given Argentina a 2-0 lead in the first half. However, two quick-fire goals in the 80th and 81st minutes from Kylian Mbappe levelled the score.

8-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi restored the Albiceleste's lead in the second half of extra time. However, a hat-trick goal in the 118th minute from Mbappe forced the game into penalties, where Emiliano Martinez stood tall to keep France at bay and help Argentina win the World Cup for the third time in their career.

The former Manchester United captain recalled the emotions he went through during the epic final in an interview with RMC. Evra said that he was in pain for three days.

"I watched the match live and I cried. I did not expect it. France-Argentina, I tell you the truth, I went to my car and I cried."

"For three days I was in pain. And I said to myself 'Patrice, I know you love the France team'... but it hurt me so much. And then, frankly, hats off to the France team," he added.

Evra was capped 81 times by France during his playing career. He was a regular fixture for Les Blues for over 10 years between 2006 and 2016 where he played in two World Cups and three Euros.

He even captained the international side during their controversial 2010 World Cup campaign where players protested against the coaching staff. Despite a glittering domestic career, Evra did not win anything with France as he was omitted from France's squad for their victorious 2018 World Cup campaign.

Lionel Messi hints at playing in the 2026 World Cup

With the elusive World Cup trophy in the bag and age taking its toll, many expected Lionel Messi to not participate in the 2026 World Cup. The Argentinian will turn 39 by the time the tournament comes along.

The Inter Miami star, however, has refused to rule himself out of the tournament which is to be played in two years' time. Speaking to ESPN ahead of the Paris Olympics, Lionel Messi said:

"It’s great to have records and continue to achieve things but I won’t take part in a World Cup just to say I’ve done six. If I feel good and everything is in place for me to be there, fine, but I won’t go just to go."

He added that he can't commit if he will play because two years is a long time in football.

"It’s very difficult to imagine what can happen because it’s still two years away. I don’t need to commit right now to whether or not I’ll be there," Messi said.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is to be played in North America and hosted jointly by the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico.