Skip to content

Oprah tells Messi to 'be a warrior' in search of World Cup

John Phillips / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty

Lionel Messi came agonizingly close to winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup, having guided Argentina all the way to the final, only to lose to Germany in extra time.

This time around, the 30-year-old Barcelona superstar has additional support, though from an unexpected source - Oprah Winfrey.

Speaking to Argentinian reporter Barbie Simons while promoting her latest film, "A Wrinkle In Time," the iconic television talk-show host and media mogul sent Messi an inspirational message in an effort to motivate him to World Cup glory.

"Messi, this is the thing. You already know this. You just, you go deep. You go deep, you find the strength inside yourself," Oprah said. "And Messi, be a warrior."

Oprah's co-star Reese Witherspoon, sitting to her right, then offered: "Lionel Messi is my son's favourite soccer player. He has all the jerseys, everything."

Messi has not yet responded to these powerful words of encouragement.

MORE STORIES

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox