Harry Kane has opened up about his emotional exchange with Lionel Messi after England were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina, revealing the message he gave the Argentine star.
Harry Kane Reveals What He Told Messi After England’s World Cup Heartbreak
Harry Kane has revealed what he told Lionel Messi after England suffered a painful World Cup defeat to Argentina, while also explaining why he has so much respect for the Argentine legend.
The Bayern Munich striker spoke about the moment during a new interview with MARCA.
England had just been eliminated by Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
But despite the disappointment, Kane still walked over to Messi after the final whistle.
He hugged him and wished him good luck for the final.
Kane reveals his private message to Messi
The moment between Kane and Messi quickly attracted attention after the match.
At the time, fans could see the two stars sharing an embrace, but they did not know exactly what had been said.
Kane has now explained it.
He said he hugged Messi and wished him good luck for the World Cup final.
For Kane, it was about showing respect even during one of the most painful moments of his international career.
Kane wanted to keep his head high
Kane admitted that losing such an important match was extremely difficult.
England had gone into the World Cup with major hopes of reaching the final.
Instead, Argentina ended their journey.
But Kane said he wanted to keep his head high and show respect after the defeat.
That was one of the reasons he went directly to Messi after the final whistle.
Even in disappointment, Kane wanted to recognise what Messi has achieved in football.
Kane gives Messi huge praise
Kane did not only talk about the hug.
He also explained how much admiration he has for Messi.
The England captain said he has followed Messi’s career since he was young.
Kane described Messi as an “incredible player” and an “incredible person.”
He also said he has only met Messi a few times, but believes the Argentine star is a very humble person.
Why Kane believes Messi helped Argentina succeed
Kane then made one of his strongest comments about Messi.
He said one of Messi’s greatest qualities is that he has always put the team before himself.
According to Kane, that attitude is one of the reasons Argentina have enjoyed so much success.
For Kane, Messi’s greatness is not only about goals, assists or individual awards.
It is also about how he leads and how he puts the team first.
A powerful moment after a painful defeat
The timing made Kane’s comments even more meaningful.
He had just watched England’s World Cup dream end.
Argentina were celebrating.
Messi was preparing for another World Cup final.
But Kane still chose to show respect to the player who had just helped eliminate his country.
That moment showed the respect that exists between two of the biggest stars in world football.
Kane also speaks about Messi and Ronaldo
Messi was not the only legend Kane discussed during the interview.
He was also asked about his own place among Europe’s greatest goalscorers.
Kane mentioned both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo when discussing the European Golden Shoe.
He said Messi and Ronaldo dominated football for an entire generation.
For Kane, simply being mentioned in the same conversation as those two players is already special.
Messi’s Golden Shoe record remains incredible
Messi holds the record with six European Golden Shoes.
Cristiano Ronaldo won the award four times.
Kane is now chasing another Golden Shoe of his own after continuing his incredible scoring form with Bayern Munich.
But Kane made it clear that he understands just how special Messi and Ronaldo’s records are.
He described both players as two of the greatest footballers in history.
Kane’s comments show the respect between football’s biggest stars
Football often creates huge rivalries.
World Cup matches can make those emotions even stronger.
But Kane’s story shows another side of the game.
Even after one of the most painful defeats of his career, he was still able to recognise Messi’s greatness.
There was no argument.
No anger toward Messi.
Just respect.
Kane sends a clear message about Messi
Kane’s message about Messi was simple.
He respects him as a player.
He respects him as a person.
And he believes Messi’s team-first attitude has played an important role in Argentina’s success.
For Kane, Messi’s greatness goes far beyond individual numbers.
That is why, even after England’s World Cup heartbreak, Kane still walked over, hugged him and wished him luck.
It was a small moment after a huge match.
But it also showed just how much respect Messi continues to receive from the biggest names in football.
