In a recent interview with FIFA, German star Mario Götze recounted his historic goal in the 2014 World Cup final and everything that happened in that classic final.
FIFA: Do you remember how it felt to face Messi in the final?
Götze: Before that, I had played against him when he was playing for Barcelona.
But at the national team level, facing Argentina and Messi in the finals of major international tournaments is a truly insane feeling.
I think that was the first time I truly understood why he was so special.
Because most of the time he looks like he's taking a stroll on the field, but once he gets the ball, it's almost impossible for you to catch him.
He has an excellent understanding of the game; he knows how the pace of the game changes and how the space on the field works.
He is truly incredible.
That's why he's still playing football and still able to score goals.
I think he is that great.
FIFA: What advice do you have for players who will participate in the World Cup final in the future?
Götze: (laughs) I would tell them: "Score the winning goal in the World Cup final at 36, and then end your career!"
But if I were to be serious, I would probably say two things.
First of all, it was just a goal. In the end, I only played for 30 minutes, I scored that goal, and that's it.
I've done similar things in training or other competitions before, but I don't know how many times.
Secondly, your own perspective is more important than the significance that the media or people around you assign to this matter.
So over the years, I've been telling myself, "Okay, it's just a goal, just a lucky moment for me."
You must have your own understanding.
I think this is very important. Otherwise, people will mold you into someone who isn't who you truly are. This is probably one of the things I've had to learn for years after scoring a goal.
