Argentina entered the match as reigning world champions. Messi started on the bench, entered in the second half, and scored. At 38 years, 11 months, and 18 days old, he became the oldest player ever to score for Argentina, surpassing the previous mark held by Ángel Labruna.
After the final whistle, Messi was signing autographs and greeting supporters when he heard Gutiérrez calling out. Surrounded by fans, the journalist introduced himself and asked for a question. Messi immediately stopped, shook his hand, moved people aside to create space, and agreed to answer two questions.
Gutiérrez first asked Messi about being only four goals away from becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
To be honest, I've never focused on individual records. I always try to achieve collective goals, whatever is best for the team and the group. We're going to take it one game at a time, do our best, and compete the way we always have.
The second question centered on Messi's decision to continue his international career and compete in another World Cup.
It happened naturally. The last time I talked about this was before the previous World Cup. Back then, I felt there was still a long way to go, and waiting another four years made it seem difficult for me to be there. But I never stopped competing.
Messi added that his move to Inter Miami helped him continue enjoying the game while maintaining a high level of performance.
Even after moving to Inter Miami, where I've been for some time now, I always tried to give my best. Things developed naturally, I kept feeling good, and it's a joy to be here.
After the exchange, an emotional Gutiérrez summed up the moment in just a few words.
I have no words.
Gutiérrez later reflected on the experience in a post on X, sharing how Messi had been one of his childhood heroes. He wrote that a popular saying warns people never to meet their heroes, but Leo was his hero growing up. Watching him on a screen or collecting his sticker cards made him happy, but his dream was never to take a photo or get an autograph. His dream was to interview him.
Gutiérrez explained that he initially tried to speak with Messi in the mixed zone but was unable to get noticed because of the crowd and his position. Determined not to miss the opportunity, he moved closer to the fan area after the match.
