Where there's a Will, there's a Messi

Will Richardson stands with the players before yesterday's final.

Ten-year-old Kiwi Will Richardson's dream of meeting Argentine football star Lionel Messi came true yesterday in front of 80,000 screaming fans.

Will won a competition with 21 other children from around the world to walk a player out on to the pitch for the 84th World Cup final.

The St Heliers youngster, who plays for Auckland's Eastern Suburbs, shook the Argentine captain's hand before running out onto the field with Argentina's central defender Ezequiel Garay at Maracana stadium in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

"I was really nervous and excited at the same time," said Will, in a croaky tone as his voice recovered from cheering Argentina on.

The lead up to the game was just as exciting because the competition winners were able to spend the day at the main stadium before the big match.

Will had to be at the Maracana by 7am to rehearse for the match ceremony and be fitted into his uniform. The parents were grouped together for lunch and a tour of the waterfront before making their way to the stadium.

Will Richardson stands with the players before yesterday's final.

Each child was selected to pair with one of the players according to their height, before running on to the field.

Argentina had been Will's favourite team from the tournament's beginning, said his mother, Victoria, who was able to accompany her son for this "once in a lifetime opportunity".

"The atmosphere was absolutely amazing from all the Argentinian fans chanting and singing during the match," said Mrs Richardson.

"All of the Brazilian spectators were cheering on the German team, which made the match even more exciting."