Chapter 336 - 329: U-20 World Cup Final, Here I Come

"What does he look like?" Marcelo Roffi asked.

In truth, he had also seen him from the coach’s bench but asked deliberately.

"He’s taller than me, and probably stronger too. He seems like a pretty friendly guy; he even smiled at me," Messi said with a wry smile.

He had once imagined that when he met Yang Yang for the first time, the other player would be a proud and stern person. He never expected Yang Yang to actually smile at him, which left him a bit flustered. Out of politeness, he quickly waved back.

"How did you feel at that moment?" Marcelo Roffi asked again.

Messi shook his head. "I don’t know."

After a pause, Messi slowly continued to confide, "For the past few months, I’ve been training as hard as I can. I want to compete with him, to surpass him. I stopped resisting the gym. At one meter sixty-nine, I’ve increased my weight to sixty-four kilograms, which is the standard for an eighteen-year-old player."

"Yes, that’s right," Marcelo Roffi affirmed. "I remember, during the National Youth Team’s training camp, when we saw you again, everyone felt like you were a completely different person. Not only was your physique better, but you were also more resilient. You made great strides in your stamina, tactics, and technique."

"Everyone thought it was because you had made it into Barcelona’s first team."

After hearing this, Messi gave another wry smile. "Getting into the first team was only part of the reason. What truly made me train to death was the threat I felt from Yang Yang. He’s like a sword hanging constantly over my head, as if it could fall at any moment. I’m terrified."

"Because I’m scared, my only choice is to keep getting stronger. That’s why I push myself so hard in training. I know he’s always training desperately too. If I want to be stronger than him, I have to be more diligent and work harder than he does."

Marcelo Roffi could understand how Messi felt.

Young people are like that, always comparing themselves to one another, never willing to admit defeat.

Messi had always been shy, but that didn’t mean he was a fool. He had his own thoughts; in fact, he often thought more than anyone else and was more sensitive than anyone.

In a previous private conversation, Messi had revealed that he was worried Barcelona would try to sign Yang Yang. This could lead to him having no place at Barcelona, or even being forced to leave like his teammates Fàbregas and Pique.

He was scared, terrified.

"I think you’re already strong enough now," Marcelo Roffi said softly, but with great certainty.

Hearing this, Messi’s eyes narrowed slightly. He nodded without speaking.

"Since you’re afraid of him, then go out there and crush him in today’s match. Once you’ve beaten him, you’ll never have to be afraid of him again. You’ll completely erase this psychological shadow."

Messi took a deep breath and nodded heavily.

"Ryo, I believe you can do it. You are the strongest player in this FIFA U-20 World Cup. You’re unstoppable. No one can stop you!" Marcelo Roffi encouraged.

Messi let out a heavy breath, as if a weight had been lifted from his entire being.

......

......

The head referee for the FIFA U-20 World Cup final was Taye Heyug from Norway. At forty years old, he was a very experienced international referee who had previously officiated at the Korea-Japan World Cup.

In this FIFA U-20 World Cup, he had officiated Argentina’s group stage match against the United States Team. In that match, he gave out three yellow cards—one to the United States and two to Argentina. This was clearly an advantage for Argentina.

Sometimes, being more familiar with the referee is also an advantage.

But Taye Heyug was clearly more impressed by Yang Yang. As soon as he saw the Chinese Team and the Argentina Team walk out together, he took the initiative to greet Yang Yang, because he had officiated the European Super Cup a year ago.

In that match, Ajax lost to Valencia, but Yang Yang’s tenacity left a deep impression on everyone.

At the time, he had given out six yellow cards, three each to Ajax and Valencia.

According to the intelligence provided by Ajax before the match, this Taye Heyug was a card-happy referee—he showed no mercy for fouls and was very strict. Yang Yang had already informed his head coach and teammates of this before the game.

But how things would actually play out would depend on their conduct during the match.

"We’re playing in the European Super Cup again this year, and the opponent is very similar to last year’s. I really hope you’ll be the referee again. That would bring us right back to last year, and I could get my revenge," Yang Yang said jokingly.

Ajax had won the UEFA Cup, while the Champions League winner was Liverpool.

This Premier League Red Army had created one of the greatest matches in Champions League history in last season’s final—the Miracle of Istanbul. They came back from a three-goal deficit to tie with AC Milan, ultimately defeating their opponents in a penalty shootout.

Yang Yang hadn’t watched the match live in the stadium, but he had watched the broadcast, and it was truly a blood-pumping spectacle.

And before coaching Liverpool in 2004, Benitez had been the head coach of Valencia, the UEFA Cup champions. The two teams had very similar styles, which is why Yang Yang had made that comment.

Taye Heyug chuckled and shook his head. "I don’t think so. After officiating the FIFA U-20 World Cup, I might take a bit of a break. For the new season, my focus will probably be on the Champions League, and I also have to referee in Denmark’s domestic league."

"Oh, that’s a real shame," Yang Yang said, a look of disappointment on his face.

Although he knew Yang Yang was just being polite, Taye Heyug was still very pleased.

"Regardless, give it your all!" the Norwegian said, extending his hand.

"Thanks!" Yang Yang shook his hand.

Taye Heyug turned and chatted for a bit with the Argentine players, especially Messi, offering him some words of encouragement as well.

Seeing the referee walk back to the front of the line, Yang Yang, who was standing near Messi, proactively walked over and extended his hand. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ryo. I hope we have a great match today."

Messi was taken aback for a moment but quickly extended his hand as well. "Me too. Let’s both do our best."

"Alright." Yang Yang could feel the fighting spirit in the other player.

After returning to his team’s line, he gave Messi another deep look, a fighting spirit igniting in his own chest.

’FIFA U-20 World Cup final, here I come!’

......

......

"Viewers and friends, this is the National Television Sports Channel."

"We are now broadcasting live from the Koegenwaard Stadium in Utrecht, Netherlands."

"It should be prime time in the evening back home right now, and I believe that at this very moment, hundreds of millions of fans are sitting in front of their TVs, watching this highly anticipated, world-famous showdown: the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup."

"The Chinese Team versus Argentina!"

"This is the first time in the history of Chinese football that the team has reached the FIFA U-20 World Cup final, and the second time for any team in Asian football history. In the past, this tournament has been the exclusive domain of South American teams. Among them, the Brazil Team and the Argentina Team have each won it four times, making them the teams with the most titles in the history of the FIFA U-20 World Cup."

"It’s also worth mentioning that after Brazil won the 1993 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Australia, Argentina went on to win three titles in ’95, ’97, and ’01. The only exception was the 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Nigeria, where Japan from Asia and Spain faced off in the final, with Spain ultimately claiming a decisive 4-0 victory over Japan."

"Many people believe that this year’s Chinese Team is somewhat similar to that Japan Team. Many are even worried that the Chinese Team will repeat the mistakes of the Japan Team and suffer a crushing defeat in the final."

"However, I personally believe such worries are unnecessary. Just being able to reach the final is in itself a recognition of our team’s strength. Under these circumstances, regardless of the final result or score, their achievement is commendable."

"Of course, we also sincerely hope that these young players of the National Youth Team can continue their brilliant performance and go all the way, becoming the biggest dark horse in the history of the FIFA U-20 World Cup."

The live broadcast camera cut to the scene on the field.

Led by the head referee, the players of both teams walked onto the pitch in succession.

After lining up at the entrance to the player tunnel, the first national anthem to be played was China’s, the "March of the Volunteers."

This was followed by Argentina’s national anthem.

"We can see the Chinese Team’s lineup for this match. Klauen has once again opted for a 4-3-3 formation."

"The front trident consists of Yang Yang on the left, Gao Lin in the center, and Chen Tao on the right. This has been the Chinese Team’s main configuration during this FIFA U-20 World Cup. In midfield, Hao Junmin is starting, Zhou Haibin—who was suspended for the semi-final—returns to the starting lineup, and Cui Peng will play as the holding midfielder."

"And our defensive line is once again led by captain Feng Xiaoting."

"The Chinese Team’s roster is at full strength, and the Argentina Team is just as complete. They are sticking with a 3-5-2 formation. Their key players, including starting Goalkeeper Ustari, defenders Palletta, Garay, and Barroso, and midfielders Sabella and Gago, are all in the starting lineup. Up front, core player Messi is partnered with Gustavo Orvillman."

"Additionally, on their bench, they have the highly-touted young talent from Argentina, Aguero, and midfielder Biglia, among others. It’s clear that this Argentina Team is the stronger side on paper."

"Tonight will be an arduous battle for the young players of the China Youth Team."

"Here is our number one star, Yang Yang. He just led the Chinese National Team to qualify from the Asian Zone for the World Cup. He is also the top scorer of this FIFA U-20 World Cup so far, and one of the most outstanding players of the tournament."

"It must be said, this match will be a duel between the two teams’ top players, Yang Yang and Messi."

"The two team captains, Feng Xiaoting and Sabella, are at the coin toss. It looks like Feng Xiaoting’s luck is a bit off; he didn’t win the more advantageous side to start, which is against the glare. Argentina gets the side with the light at their backs."

"This is indeed a slight disadvantage for the Chinese Team, but we believe it’s only temporary. The young players of the National Youth Team will surely be able to overcome all difficulties."

"The match is about to begin."

"We can see Yang Yang and Gao Lin standing in the center circle, ready for kickoff."

With a blow of head referee Taye Heyug’s whistle, this highly anticipated FIFA U-20 World Cup final at last kicked off.