World Cup 2022: The Interesting Story of Messi’s Red Ribbon

• Lionel Messi was spotted donning a red ribbon just above his ankle after Argentina's World Cup win in Qatar
• The ribbon was handed to him by a journalist four years ago and it is believed he has kept it since
• He has reportedly given it to several teammates of his struggling for form in their careers

Lionel Messi has a very interesting relationship with a red ribbon that he often wears in games or gives out to his teammates.

The ribbon was spotted as he celebrated his latest success, and perhaps the biggest of them all, in Argentina's dressing room after winning the World Cup on December 18th.

The ribbon was on Messi's right ankle and as GMS reports, TV journalist Rama Pantarotto gave it to him four years ago in Russia.

The journalist hilariously explained that his mother loved Messi more than he loved him. He went on to tell Messi that his mother had given him the red ribbon as a sign of good luck and asked Messi if he would love to take it.

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Messi in Russia 2018

Messi duly obliged and days later, he scored his first goal of Russia 2018 against Nigeria to put Argentina's campaign back on track. The journalist was elated to find out that Messi had actually won the ribbon during the game. Albiceleste were eliminated in the round of 16 by eventual champions France.

Later on, as Barca Worldwide claims, Messi gave out the ribbon to his teammates who were undergoing difficult patches in their careers. The ribbon was spotted with Phillipe Coutinho, Lautaro Martinez, Rodrigo de Paul and Paulo Dybala.

Did Emi Martinez wear the same ribbon?

Most importantly, Emi Martinez, Argentina's goalkeeper was spotted with the red ribbon as he received his Golden Glove award after winning the game against France for his nation.

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It has been claimed that Messi passed the ribbon to him before the penalty shootout. It remains unclear whether it is the same ribbon and if he actually had it during the shootouts.

Well, if it is indeed the same red ribbon, then I think we will all agree we need a red ribbon in our lives, right?

Messi's beard and good luck

Apart from the red ribbon, Sports Brief had earlier reported that his teammates had banned him from shaving his ginger beard until when the world cup was over.

Normally, that's not how things work. You don't tell a seven-time Ballon D'Or winner what to do. When he asks you to jump your job is to ask, 'how high?' But it appears his teammates have a good reason.

Usher Komugisha, a respondent with Al Jazeera, reports that Messi was asked not to shave his ginger beard as they believe it is good luck in their pursuit of the World Cup.