As an impeccable record of six consecutive victories, 11 goals and allowed only two suggests, Argentina thoroughly deserved to win the Men's Olympic Football Tournament for the second time in four years. And as the fantastic quartet of Juan Roman Riquelme, Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi and Sergio Agüero explained to FIFA.com, the Albiceleste in the 1-0 victory over Nigeria was particularly sweet.
Aguero and Messi, soccer twins
No one can deny that Lionel Messi and Sergio Agüero have a special gift. International Pisa off the field and soulmates there, the duo have graduated through the ranks. No wonder, then, to see them celebrating side by side after the medals ceremony.
The scorer of two goals against Brazil in the semifinals, the child they call The Kun was savoring the moment. "The fact is that this is a wonderful feeling. I won the U-20 World Cup last year and now this. And to win with friends as well as Leo as well. I can not put into words."
A stock answer to win a title that might seem, but they have been welcomed by the sole and exclusive Diego Maradona, Aguero emotion is easy to understand. "It's very special to win this title, especially with Diego being here. Congratulated me and said he had a great tournament. You can not ask more than that."
For Messi, the most elusive player in the tournament, the gold medal is welcome reward after dispute about her participation in the Games. Having finally achieved their Olympic goal, the Barcelona man was happy to let off steam. "People say many things that bothers me before coming to China, everyone knows that. That's what makes this so special medal. I think Argentina won the gold because we had a fantastic team that really pulled together. You could see that on the pitch. "
Heavy emotions for Riquelme and Mascherano
The elder statesmen of the team were no less ecstatic. The 30-year-old captain Juan Roman Riquelme enjoyed a good tournament, bagging a goal in the 3-0 victory over the Brazilians, and left the Olympic stage in the best possible way. "I'm absolutely delighted because this was the last chance I had to play in the Olympics," he said. "The end was not very exciting but perhaps you have to go out and win these games. It's as simple as that. It took the medal on the plane home. I will not be taking off for anyone."
With an Argentina flag is covered over their shoulders, a gold medal round his neck and a bouquet of flowers in hand, smiling the playmaker was the picture of happiness. Asked if he wanted to dedicate the victory to anyone in particular, Riquelme was unequivocal. "Yes, the whole team, which has been so for over a month. Even though I was far from my family, I have never lost sight of our goal and win gold is incredible."
A man nearly to a loss of words was Javier Mascherano. The central midfielder was a tireless member of the team that triumphed Albiceleste in Athens 2004 and has become the first Argentine to win the Olympic gold twice. "This is just incredible," said a voice slightly hoarse.
"My daughter was not born when I won a gold medal in Athens, so I'm going to enjoy this with her. No matter what happens in my football career from now, nobody can take away the pride I feel at achieving something like this, especially in a sport as difficult as football. We won because we played attacking football and never stopped trying things. And we beat Brazil in the semifinals. It was the perfect tournament. "
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