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Josko Gvardiol's old quote about Lionel Messi has resurfaced following Croatia's crushing defeat to Argentina at the World Cup.
Prior to Tuesday's semi-final clash, Gvardiol had starred for Croatia and enhanced his reputation as a budding centre-back with his solid performances in the tournament.
Then he came up against Messi, who seemed to knock off a few million off the 20-year-old's price tag.
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The Argentina captain absolutely destroyed Gvardiol for his side's third goal as he went on a magical run to set up Julian Alvarez.
He bobbed and weaved past the Croatian defender who had no idea how to stop the 35-year-old forward. In his defence, no one has at this World Cup.
Messi is a freak of nature and a superstar talent that comes once every 100 years. That's also according Gvardiol as a clip of him talking about the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has resurfaced following their duel.
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Speaking in 2021, he said: "Messi. I think he’s something that happens once in 100 years."
The RB Leipzig player showed great respect to Messi before their meeting at the World Cup.
And his opinion of the great man was justified following his sensational performance.
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The Paris Saint-Germain forward ran the show, scoring and assisting in his side's 3-0 win over Croatia.
Following Argentina's Copa America triumph last year, Messi will be looking to go one better and bag the illustrious World Cup.
And speaking after the win against Croatia, he said Sunday's final will be the last World Cup game of his storied career.
"I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying," he said.
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"Everything I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina.
"There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don't think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant."
Will Messi raise gold on Sunday? Let us know what you think.
Topics: Football, Josko Gvardiol, Lionel Messi, Football World Cup
Nasir Jabbar