"God's timing is different" - Lionel Messi's brother Matias claims their whole family 'pray before every match and during penalties'

Matias Messi, Lionel Messi's older brother, has revealed how the entire Messi family supports the football star during his matches for club and country. The Inter Miami forward is in the USA with Argentina aiming for a fourth international title in three years.

Over the years, the Messi name has become synonymous with footballing excellence given the amount of success achieved by Lionel. The diminutive forward has achieved what many regard as the greatest career in professional football, winning eight Ballon d'Or awards.

Lionel Messi's journey to the top has always involved his family as he moved to Spain from Argentina with them as a 13-year-old. His siblings have steered clear of the media, but 42-year-old Matias spoke with Radio La Red about how the family has lived through everything with the forward.

"We are believers. We pray before every match and during penalties. My mother is very devout, and all of us have taken communion. We are happy to have known that world. Sometimes we don't realize it, and we reproach things, but God's timing is different."

The entire Messi family often occupy a box at his games, and they witnessed the mercurial forward win the FIFA World Cup in 2022. They are also in the USA for the 2024 Copa America, where they watched on as the star missed his kick in the shootout win over Ecuador.

Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates will look to reach the Copa America final for a second successive edition when they face Canada on Tuesday (July 9). They will then face Uruguay or Colombia in the final as one of the greatest players ever looks to add to his trophy collection.

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Drake puts money on Canada triumphing over Lionel Messi and Argentina in Copa America

Canadian artiste Drake has placed a bet on his country getting an upset win over Argentina in the Copa America semi-final despite the presence of Lionel Messi. The musical icon is known for staking significant sums of money on sporting events, including football matches.

Drake has bet $300,000 on Canada emerging victorious in the semi-final, and he stands to win $2.88 million if his prediction comes to pass. Argentina and Canada have faced twice previously, including in the Copa America opener. The Canadians have never scored against La Albiceleste, so it's tough to see them doing so this time.

Lionel Messi has had just one assist in the tournament, which came against the Canadians. The Inter Miami ace is set to feature in the second meeting against the sides, having inspired his team to a 2-0 win earlier.