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Lionel Messi celebrates win over France by collapsing on knees as Argentina FINALLY wins FIFA World Cup

The superstar was pictured in tears much like all of his Argentina teammates after the match-winning strike by Gonzalo Montiel

AL DAAYEN, QATAR: Lionel Messi has finally won the FIFA World Cup and claimed the famous title that had previously escaped him for all his career. Argentina became World Champions for the first time since 1986 after Gonzalo Montiel scored the final penalty as Argentina beat France 4-2 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The remarkable win sent tears all around the Lusail stadium as Argentina players were seen celebrating with their family and friends while their fans were exhilarated after experiencing one of the craziest matches in the history of football. The win did not come easy as they had to wait for penalties. While Kylian Mbappe of France ended up as the top-scorer of the tournament, his brilliant hat trick might have gone in vain on Sunday, December 18. Mbappe beat Messi in an epic finish to the Golden Boot race in the final, however, the legendary player and his Argentina teammates made sure to clinch the World Cup title. 

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The superstar was pictured in tears much like all of his Argentina teammates after the match-winning strike by Gonzalo Montiel that capped a career-crowning moment for Messi. At the very moment, the ball hit the back of the net, Messi sank to the ground while holding his arms out only for his Argentina teammates to hug him and celebrate the colossal win. The 35-year-old’s release of emotions in the immediate aftermath was justifiable as the captain had guided his country to global success in the most difficult of circumstances. All had tears in their eyes in the Argentina camp including Messi, who carried the weight of a nation on his shoulders.

Another highlight after the match ended is Messi being pictured with close friend and former Argentina striker Sergio Aguero with the pair wrapping their arms around each other on the pitch while the star of the show brushed away his tears. The 35-year-old soaked every moment in after producing one of the most memorable moments of his career as he gazed at thousands of fans chanting his name. 

The most extraordinary football match was an intense watch with France hero Kylian Mbappe robbing Messi of the ball and clawing Les Blues' way back into the game. At 109 minutes, Messi strikes leading Argentina 3-2 only for Mbappe to strip the attention from the star player once again and score a hat trick. Messi looked as if he could not believe what has happened as he pulled his head down, reluctant to win the only title that was missing from the cabinet. Mbappe, on the other hand, gloated at the sight. 

The match was quickly on the verge of a turn-around when Messi passed the ball to Lautaro Martinez only for it get to blocked as the match entered extra time. Argentina held the nerves to win on penalties with defender Jules Kounde being unable to stop the winning strike from crossing the line as the dream finally came true. Montiel took his shirt off while being buried by his teammates whereas Messi finally got to hold the World Cup in his hands. The last time Argentina won the title, Diego Maradona was their captain and there is no doubt that the football legend was right about Messi being his true successor. 

While Mbappe showed off his top-notch abilities, he remains on his losing side. On the other hand, Messi is finally a World Cup winner as he kissed the trophy along with his teammates. The epic match was a blessing and a curse. Blessed because of the stunning experience and cursed because there would be no football match that could compare to this.