Celia Cuccittini has begged football lovers on behalf of her son, Lionel Messi, following his penalty miss against Iceland during Argentina’s opening match at the 2018 World Cup.

Image shows Messi and Celia

Cuccittini says the famous No. 10 has cried and suffered to achieve his elusive World Cup dream with La Albiceleste.

Speaking ahead of Argentina’s Thursday match against Croatia, Cuccittini admitted that his son suffered psychological trauma for failing to convert the spot-kick that could have earned Argentina their first win. However, she begged for understanding on behalf of her son, saying he wants nothing more than to lay hands on the World Cup trophy.

Despite Messi’s individual efforts, Argentina’s only goal of the tournament came from Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is a top rival to the Barcelona ace, played a prominent role in Portugal’s 3-3 draw against Spain and has been awesome so far. The Real Madrid player scored his country’s only goal against North African side Morocco on Wednesday.

Argentina’s recurring woes at major international games have been a source of concern in recent years. The South American country lost three consecutive finals within a span of three years; one against Germany at the 2014 World Cup, and another two at the Copa America.

Messi and his teammates have been at loggerheads with journalists in Argentina who often found reasons to criticise or defame members of the national team. The strained relationship forced the captain’s resignation from international duty in 2016 shortly after their loss to Chile at the Copa America finals. However, he bowed to pressure and rescinded the decision.

‘My son only wants to make Argentina proud by winning the World Cup,’ Cuccittini told Diario de Mariana’s host on El Trece TV.

‘This is his [Messi’s] only dream…We have seen him suffer and cry in the Blue and White Stripes.’

She continued, ‘More than any other person at the World Cup, Messi has given 101 percent to leave a mark on the sands of time with this tournament…He wants to take the trophy home. His family suffers from all the criticisms, especially when they say Leo has no remorse for Argentina’s football woes or that he is playing for the national team out of obligation only…Those words hurt me as a mother.

‘Leo has been lucky to have people who understand and support him through the pains,’ the aggrieved woman said, noting that she is one of her son’s biggest fans.

‘He [Messi] values the love he receives from people. As a mother, I do, too. I see him much more relaxed, calmer and with more confidence.

‘I wished him a lot of luck,’ she said of her reaction after Argentina’s 3-1 win against Ecuador on 10 October, when the left-footed playmaker scored a hat-trick.

‘My advice to him before the match was “Go enjoy himself, live for the moment and be happy. Play like you would have done for Grandoli.”’

‘He is focused and full of expectations,’ Cuccittini added. ‘His family is here to support him.’

The reliable mom says his son has other talents apart from football, and professed love for all her four children.

‘He [Messi] is divine…He has been a beautiful brother, a responsible father and an incredible husband. All my children are equally loved but I just want this World Cup for him.’