One of the highlights of Argentina in winning the third world championship in Qatar, midfielder Enzo Fernández, 21, was elected the best young player (under-23) in the championship.
The Benfica (POR) player said he was ecstatic with the title and dedicated it to his childhood idol, his teammate Lionel Messi, 35.
“This is a moment I will never forget in my life. Messi is my idol, he deserves more than anyone, I’m happy for him, for the whole group. Winning a World Cup at the age of 21 is incredible”, he said, still on the lawn of the Lusail stadium.
Another hero of the final, goalkeeper Emiliano Dibu Martínez, who saved Coman’s penalty kick, made it clear that his team had expected toughness in the final against France.
“In the beginning we knew we were going to suffer. We made it 3 to 2 and there was another penalty. Thank God we got the title. There hasn’t been any World Cup I’ve dreamed of as much as this one”, he said, also moved.
“I apologize to my teammates. [franceses] they kicked three times and scored three goals. But then I did everything right. I dedicate it to my family, I come from a very humble place.”
Midfielder Dybala, 29, who came on at the end of extra time just to take part in the penalty shootout, also praised the historic result. “What happened today will go down in history, what the people gave us this month was incredible. We want to raise the glass and go home and celebrate.”
Midfielder Paredes, 28, highlighted the strength of young players to lead the team to the title.
“Not even in my best dream did I think about it. People are happy, we are happy. There are no words to describe it. It is a process of more than four years, this is from all the boys who were part of it. We are happy, we worked a lot to achieve this.”
Full-back Tagliafico, 30, in turn, analyzed the decision against the French. “We lived very calmly, despite everything that happened at the World Cup. I said that in the previous game, we had to suffer a little more. The first half was very good, in the second we made mistakes, but we managed to come out. I hope we keep that passion we see today for the future, together we are better.”
And midfielder De Paul, 28, emphasized the mental strength of the players in Qatar. “I never forget that, we are a fair winner. We had to suffer. It’s a joy that I can’t explain. I love all Argentines, I’m proud to have been born in that country, today we leave that at the top of the world.”
As a seasoned news journalist, I bring a wealth of experience to the field. I’ve worked with world-renowned news organizations, honing my skills as a writer and reporter. Currently, I write for the sports section at News Bulletin 247, where I bring a unique perspective to every story.
