“He decides the moments, always felt that way” - Lionel Messi opens up on faith behind 2022 World Cup triumph

Lionel Messi thanked God for Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. The 35-year-old star believes in destiny and claims that everything is pre-decided.

Speaking to TNT Sports Argentina, Messi stated that he felt a greater power was orchestrating everything as his side went on to win the tournament. The Inter Miami star said:

"I always say that it all depends on God, and what he wants. He decides the moments, I always felt in that way, that everything happens for a reason. I always ask to God and I thank him for everything he gave me."

It was not the first time Messi made similar claims about winning the FIFA World Cup. He told the media right after the win in Qatar (via News.AM) in 2022:

"I'm not the one to make promises, I just always think that God is the one who decides, God knows when the time is and what has to happen. And I am always grateful for everything that happened to me. What has to come, will come and I think he's the one who decides."

Lionel Messi scored a brace in the final, but Argentina needed a penalty shootout to win the FIFA World Cup after the game finished 3-3 after extra time. Kylian Mbappe scored a hattrick for France but it eventually went in vain as Argentina prevailed 4-2 in the shootout.

Lionel Messi thanked God after win over Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup

Lionel Messi previously claimed that God helped Argentina win their 2018 FIFA World Cup group-stage match against Nigeria. He stated (via The Guardian):

"I knew that God was with us and would not leave us out [of the competition]. I don't remember having ever suffered so much, because of the situation and because of what was at stake. It was a huge release for all of us.

"We had been through difficult days because of the result in the previous game, the situation we were in and because of a lot of things that came out. But fortunately we were able to achieve our objective. We knew we would do so. We didn't expect to suffer so much but we were confident that we would get through. And thank God it happened."

Lionel Messi had scored the opening goal in the must-win match against Nigeria, but Victor Moses' penalty saw the African side come back into the game. However, a Marcos Rojo volley in the 87th minute sealed a 2-1 win for Argentina.