@FootynewsIt is wild how the first thing that crossed Bastian Schweinsteiger's mind after the 2014 World Cup final wasn't about his own victory but was entirely focused on Lionel Messi. Everyone knew Messi was supposed to lift the trophy, so when he didn't, the devastation was total and he looked like he was facing the entire world alone. Schweinsteiger went to find him and saw a deep sadness written all over his face. He told Messi straight up: 'Messi, you have given everything. Argentina is proud of you. Do not be sad.' The German defender admitted it actually hurt him to see his rival in such pain because Messi had the option to play for Spain where he could have won titles easily, yet he stayed loyal to his homeland instead. That choice to stick with Argentina through the pressure and criticism was what made the eventual World Cup win feel different. Schweinsteiger insists that winning with Argentina will always hold a special place compared to what winning with Spain would have meant. It feels like destiny finally owed him that cup.

@FootynewsIt is wild how the first thing that crossed Bastian Schweinsteiger's mind after the 2014 World Cup final wasn't about his own victory but was entirely focused on Lionel Messi. Everyone knew Messi was supposed to lift the trophy, so when he didn't, the devastation was total and he looked like he was facing the entire world alone. Schweinsteiger went to find him and saw a deep sadness written all over his face. He told Messi straight up: 'Messi, you have given everything. Argentina is proud of you. Do not be sad.' The German defender admitted it actually hurt him to see his rival in such pain because Messi had the option to play for Spain where he could have won titles easily, yet he stayed loyal to his homeland instead. That choice to stick with Argentina through the pressure and criticism was what made the eventual World Cup win feel different. Schweinsteiger insists that winning with Argentina will always hold a special place compared to what winning with Spain would have meant. It feels like destiny finally owed him that cup.