“I can’t wait for Argentina. Messi is their best, it will be difficult against him, but we are ready. We want to play the best game of our lives, I hope for the final,” Modric told Spanish television El Chiringuito de Jugones.
“The Croatian national team has the same DNA as Real Madrid. It always goes to the end and never gives up,” said Modric.
An image of Modric has already gone viral, with Spanish newspaper AS even saying his gesture “should be taught in all football schools”. What did Modric do?
When Brazil lost to Croatia in the semi-finals, Rodrygo, who missed a penalty, was inconsolable. As Neymar tried to comfort him, Croatia captain Luka Modric entered.
A teammate of Rodyrgo at Real Madrid, he hugged Rodrygo, held his face and whispered something in his ears.
‘You are stronger than this! Everyone falls, everyone fails, you come back even stronger! I love you, I love you son,’ Luka said to Rodrygo, which he would later share.
Modric later told reporters, “I am sure he will gain more experience and strength to continue. He will become stronger through all this. It can happen to anyone. We have to congratulate Rodryg on his strength and mentality to take penalties and shoot. Anyone can make mistakes. I encouraged him. I get on well with him and it’s a shame he was the one who didn’t score.”