SOCCER: Goetze recalls Messi photo regret as World Cup trophy brings 2014 rushing back

NEW YORK — Mario Goetze stood beside the FIFA World Cup trophy again on Wednesday, close enough to see his reflection in the prize he helped Germany win in Rio de Janeiro 12 years ago. The moment brought back memories of one of the most iconic moments of his career.

At the FIFA Museum in Rockefeller Center, Manhattan, the 2014 World Cup final remained vivid for Goetze: Andre Schuerrle’s cross, his left-footed strike in extra time, Argentina’s heartbreak, and Lionel Messi’s tears at the Maracana.

Goetze was 22 years old when he scored the winning goal that made Germany the first European team to win a World Cup in South America. The significance of that moment, he said, only became clearer with time.

"I have a replica at home, so sometimes I can look at it. But standing here in front of the real one is obviously different. It's just positive, to see it again," Goetze told Reuters.

"I didn't realize in that moment, or even afterward, what that goal meant because I was so young. I just played football and enjoyed the moment. Back then, it was a goal and I was happy that I could contribute to that win."

Now 34 and playing as an attacking midfielder for Eintracht Frankfurt, Goetze said he has gained a deeper appreciation of what the goal represented for Germany, the national team, and his own career.

"Now that a few years have gone by, I realize that was a special moment for the country, for myself, and for the national team. You view it a bit differently and understand how special it was. It's just great to be here in this surrounding. For me and my career, it was phenomenal," he said.

While touring the exhibition featuring memorabilia from past World Cups, including the boots he wore in the 2014 final, Goetze reflected on achieving a childhood dream.

"It was my first World Cup, and to deliver such a goal was really something. I think I dreamed about it when I was young, and it's just amazing," he said.

Goetze Opens Up About Photo With Messi

Goetze also recalled an uncomfortable moment following Germany’s victory in Rio when he shared a photo with Messi shortly after the final. Argentina’s captain had just suffered a painful defeat, and the timing of the picture drew attention.

Goetze said the gesture came from admiration rather than celebration at Messi’s expense, but admitted that the moment may not have been the right time.

"It was not the best timing," he said.

"Maybe that's the worst timing. It was the worst timing after the game."

However, Goetze explained that the photo reflected his respect for Messi and his impact on football.

"In the end, I was just a big fan of him, what he has done for football and everything he's still doing. I really like him as a player," he said.

Messi eventually won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 and continues to make an impact at the 2026 tournament. At 39, the Argentine forward remains among the leading scorers after producing a strong start to the competition.

Goetze praised Messi’s longevity and continued excellence.

"It's unbelievable. That he can still deliver these things he's doing, I think he's special. In the end, probably he's the only one, maybe with Ronaldo, who can achieve these kinds of things. They have played for 20 years, even more than 20 years. It's just crazy," he said.

Goetze Enjoys 2026 World Cup Atmosphere

Goetze said it was still too early to predict the outcome of the tournament but praised the atmosphere across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

He highlighted France, Argentina, England, and Germany as teams with strong chances of lifting the trophy.

"I think I've seen good games," Goetze said.

"In the end, it's the small things. You have to have a certain amount of luck to go through, and then you have to build momentum and be there at the right moment to really achieve it. From the quarterfinals on, it will be interesting."

-Reporting by Fernando Kallas; additional reporting by Kurt Hall and Janis Laizans; editing by Clare Fallon/Reuters