Messi became the all-time leader in World Cup appearances, as well as the first player to score a goal in every single knockout stage of the World Cup. He took the route to lift the trophy.
Messi, who stated prior to the competition that this would be his final World Cup adventure, although he slightly changed his stance on that later, the triumph held immense significance for him. Following the conclusion of the game, he was overwhelmed with emotions, shedding tears of happiness and elation as he raised the trophy alongside his fellow players.
MORE: Experience the 2022 FIFA World Cup final again with minute-by-minute commentary & highlights of Argentina versus France.
Argentina’s victory in a penalty shootout, courtesy of Gonzalo Montiel’s decisive goal, triggered a series of intense emotions for Lionel Messi right after the referee blew the final whistle.
As the triumph was secured, the greatest player of all time was overcome with tears of happiness, embracing all of his teammates.
Tears of joy for Messi 🥲#FIFAWorldCupFinal #Messi #ARG pic.twitter.com/vlw5IiU8y0
This means everything to Messi pic.twitter.com/0S7DDSFJ7w
It was not only Messi who had tears reduced in Argentina. In fact, Scaloni, the head coach, was a complete mess, and Maria Di Angel was caught crying on the bench multiple times.
Messi celebrates World Cup title with mother, family
With their loved ones, every player stayed on the field to absorb the grandeur following the official festivities, a moment that supporters will cherish indefinitely.
Filled with joy, his mother was unable to restrain her feelings as they hugged, tears streaming down their faces, Lionel Messi and his mother shared a heartfelt moment.
Leo Messi and his mother with wining hug! Proudest moment for a mother. ❤ pic.twitter.com/uAGg5uVT4G
Messi later located his family and celebrated the moment with his spouse and kids too.
The GOAT 🐐 messi with his beautiful family 😍 That medal is huge #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/7UEvsb5QCk
Argentina captain Messi raises World Cup trophy
The prize was ultimately awarded to the triumphant team, but Argentina players and coaches were forced to patiently wait for the French side to obtain their second-place medals.
Amid pyrotechnics and cheers, Messi, the captain, is presented with the trophy, which is then brought to the team to celebrate together. Messi made an honorable and slow walk, lifting the trophy high before being draped in a Qatari ceremonial robe, as is the tradition of the FIFA World Cup.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi lifts the trophy after winning the World Cup final between Argentina and France. Argentina won 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended tied 3-3. https://t.co/cS16w2aEoL pic.twitter.com/juTA2XMpro
Watch in the United States:
MESSI AND ARGENTINA LIFT THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY 🏆🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/ykYsPchLkX
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🇦🇷 CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD 🇦🇷#BBCWorldCup #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/EbhAolWQwz
Watch in Canada:
Argentina: World Champs once again. 🏆#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/x3hFvHxzVn
Watch in Australia:
Argentina, the 2022 #FIFAWorldCup Champions! 🇦🇷🏆#SBSWorldCup #WeAllSpeakFootball pic.twitter.com/2OtaUHadgY
Messi raises World Cup trophy lifted on Sergio Aguero’s back
As fans flooded onto the pitch to celebrate with the Argentina team, everyone else was hoisted up, symbolically showing the importance and leadership of Lionel Messi and his squad of players.
Sergio Aguero, a former teammate of Argentina, rose above the crowd with his hands in the air, holding the World Cup trophy.
Throughout the World Cup, the ex-Man City forward, Aguero, garnered attention as he was a consistent content creator on Twitch. Aguero was a passionate part of the national squad during the competition, a member of the Argentine national team until earlier this year when he had to step down because of a cardiac ailment.
LEGENDARY 🐐 pic.twitter.com/TgErGUrrkf
Messi kissing World Cup trophy as Argentina win FIFA title
Kicking off the celebrations, Messi successfully found a moment to give a kiss to the World Cup trophy before celebrating with his teammates.
Lionel Messi sneaked an early kiss on the World Cup trophy while walking up to receive his Golden Ball award as the best player in the tournament, but individual awards were given out before his team.
His career epitomized that particular moment. With the most sought-after prize of his profession in his hands, he simply couldn’t endure an additional five minutes to obtain it. He had labored for years and endured a lengthy wait to experience this moment at the age of 35.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi stopped to kiss the #FIFAWorldCup trophy while accepting the tournament’s Golden Ball award 📸: Martin Rickett/PA pic.twitter.com/dTUgzP73HE
Messi calls World Cup title ‘crazy’ after Argentina defeated France
Lionel Messi was filled with intense feelings throughout the period after the match, including his exchanges with the press following the triumph in the World Cup final against France.
Messi said, “It was crazy that it happened this way, we suffered a lot but it made this Cup beautiful. He was holding the trophy and he was awestruck.”