FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has responded to Jorge Sampaoli's remarks that football owes the player and Argentina a FIFA World Cup trophy.
'Football Owed Hat-Trick Hero Messi The World Cup'
In October, the 30-year-old scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Ecuador to secure the Albiceleste's place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Sampaoli was delighted with Messi's display in that particular performance, and insisted that football owes the Barca forward its most prestigious trophy.
During a recent interview, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was asked about Sampaoli's comments.
"Yes, I did hear it, and he said it to me too," he answered, according to FIFA.com.
"I hope football does end up paying me! (laughs)"
Three years ago, Messi and Argentina had their hearts broken when they lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany – a moment the Barca attacker says still hurts.
"I don't know if they're ever going to heal," he added.
"We're just going to have to live with it. It's going to be there forever.
"The World Cup is a very happy memory and a bitter one too because of how it ended, how it all worked out. But it's always going to be there."
Neymar Comments On Messi's Argentina Heroics
Messi has played 123 games for Argentina, scoring 61 goals.
Do you think Messi can lead his country to World Cup glory next year? Let us know in the comments section below.
