Sunday night finally saw Lionel Messi climb the final peak in his career as he led Argentina to their first FIFA World Cup title in 36 years. With the trophy in the bag, it is safe to say that the former Barcelona captain has completed football and put an end to all the debate about who is the greatest of all time.
Tributes have been flowing for Messi and Argentina following their historic triumph in Qatar. Not only did the 35-year-old win the World Cup, he did so by being the Best Player at the tournament and was rightly awarded the Golden Ball.
In the process, the PSG superstar became the first player ever to win two Golden Ball awards at a World Cup, while he finished as the second-highest goalscorer at the tournament, just behind Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe.
Personalities from within the sport of football and outside have been acknowledging Messi’s achievements after the special night in Qatar on Sunday. And former USA president Barack Obama, too, joined in to pay tribute to the Argentina captain.
Taking to Twitter, Obama wrote: “Congrats to Argentina and to the GOAT, Lionel Messi, for an amazing World Cup victory.”
Congrats to Argentina and to the GOAT, Lionel Messi, for an amazing World Cup victory. https://t.co/TkPRhReOV9
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 18, 2022
Messi scored two goals in the final against France and had a hand in the other goal that his team netted on the evening. In all, he scored seven goals and set up three more in seven matches in the World Cup, standing tall in the end and winning the trophy that has eluded him all his career.
Speaking after the match, Messi confirmed that he will continue playing international football and is not considering retiring at the moment, which will come as music to the ears of Argentina supporters.
