Lionel Messi gets emotional as he leads Argentina to 2022 FIFA World Cup victory, says 'dreamed about it so much that still can't believe it'
The footballer said that he wanted to win the trophy for the longest time, it was his "dream".
By ET Online | Updated:
In a glittering career that has spanned three decades, the footballer has bagged a record 37 club trophies, seven Ballon D'Or awards and six European Golden Boots.
The absence of a World Cup winners' medal has long been Exhibit A in any argument that debated why Lionel Messi, the G.O.A.T (Greatest of all time) in his own right, does not rank above Pele and Diego Maradona in football's pantheon.
But the 35-year-old’s powerful performance in the FIFA World Cup 2022 is proof why Messi has a legion of admirers across the globe, shutting the long-going debate on why Messi should be regarded as the greatest footballer in the history of the game.
After Argentina's victory over France in Sunday's thriller and jaw-dropping World Cup final held in Qatar’s Doha, there shouldn’t be any noise surrounding the maestro. In a glittering career that has spanned three decades, the footballer has bagged a record 37 club trophies, seven Ballon D'Or awards and six European Golden Boots.
And now, he has taken home the prestigious FIFA World Cup!
It was a dream come true not only for Argentina … or Messi but millions of fans who grew up watching their legend beat the naysayers and create world records. Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. Now that the dream has finally come true, the 35-year-old football legend can’t believe it.
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“CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!!!!! So many times I dreamed it, so much I wanted it that I still… can't believe it ... Thank you so much to my family, to all who supported me and also to all those who believed in us,” Messi said in an emotional note after emerging as the winner of the FIFA World Cup 2022. The Argentinian footballer said that the team was able to win the championship because it was a dream shared by all and the team can achieve anything when united for the same cause.
“We proved once again that we Argentinians … when we fight together and unite, we are able to achieve what we aim for. The merit of this group, which is above individuals, is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the one of all Argentinians... We did it!!! LET'S GO ARGENTINA!!!!! We're seeing each other very soon… ,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
Messi holds a Copa America title, an Olympic gold medal and a list of scoring and statistical records that may never be beaten, but the only remaining gap on his lustrous CV was a World Cup victory. Argentina's skipper Lionel Messi in action during the match against France in the Finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. at Lusail Stadium, in Lusail on Sunday.And it was finally comprehensively filled in on the night of December 18 over the course of 120 jaw-dropping minutes at the Lusail Stadium. Not even France’s Kylian Mbappe's magical hat-trick for Les Bleus could upset Messi's long-awaited meeting with destiny. It seemed as if the name written on the FIFA World Cup 2022 was finally becoming clearer and clearer with every passing minute as Argentina raced towards the winner’s title.
Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo also penned a heartfelt note, wishing his husband and Argentina for their victorious performance at the FIFA.
"WORLD CHAMPIONS! I don't even know how to start.. pride greater that we feel for you @leomessi thank you for teaching us to never give up, you have to fight q to the end FINALLY DIOOOO SOS WORLD CHAMPION WAS DOOOOOO, we know what you suffered so many years, what you wanted to get," she wrote in Spanish on Instagram along with pictures from the final match. Argentina's Lionel Messi, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's opening goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. In Messi’s final World Cup appearance – a record-breaking 26th – the now PSG footballer scored twice as Argentina battled to a 3-3 draw in extra-time before prevailing on penalties.As the ball fell asleep on his toe, the stadium, bars playing the match live and packed spaces with football enthusiasts seated patiently in front of their TV screens went silent for a few seconds with the knowledge that his once-in-a-generation career will now include a gleaming FIFA World Cup trophy, before erupting with applause and cheers for Messi.
It was a match of a lifetime for Messi and his fans.
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Lionel Messi: From Rags To Becoming The Greatest Footballer Of All Time
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Argentina came out victorious in the intensely fought FIFA final in what could possibly be the last World Cup for Lionel Messi.
Argentina came out victorious in the intensely fought FIFA final in what could possibly be the last World Cup for Lionel Messi.
December 18 will go down in history as a huge moment in the world of football as Argentina came out victorious in the intensely fought final in what could possibly be the last World Cup for Lionel Messi.
December 18 will go down in history as a huge moment in the world of football as Argentina came out victorious in the intensely fought final in what could possibly be the last World Cup for Lionel Me..
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Born on June, 24, 1987 into a middle class family, Messi developed a love for football at an early age and started showing amazing skills just when he was 5. At that time, he was being coached at a local club by his father.
Born on June, 24, 1987 into a middle class family, Messi developed a love for football at an early age and started showing amazing skills just when he was 5. At that time, he was being coached at a l..
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While it was clear that Messi was the one dominating the field with his footwork, nobody could ignore the fact that he was also the smallest among his peers.
While it was clear that Messi was the one dominating the field with his footwork, nobody could ignore the fact that he was also the smallest among his peers.
At the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency and had to undergo medical treatment. However, his family couldn’t afford the treatment for long, so he had to stop taking the treatment after three years.
At the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency and had to undergo medical treatment. However, his family couldn’t afford the treatment for long, so he had to stop taking the tre..
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But when Messi was 13, he received an offer from FC Barcelona. The club was willing to pay his medical bills on one condition: he had to play for them. So with no money or job, Messi’s family moved to Spain from Central Argentina
But when Messi was 13, he received an offer from FC Barcelona. The club was willing to pay his medical bills on one condition: he had to play for them. So with no money or job, Messi’s family moved t..
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Messi debuted for the club at the age of 17 in October 2004. Within three years, Messi emerged as an integral player of FC Barcelona. At the age of 22, the footballer won his first Ballon d'Or.
Messi debuted for the club at the age of 17 in October 2004. Within three years, Messi emerged as an integral player of FC Barcelona. At the age of 22, the footballer won his first Ballon d'Or.
After three successful seasons, he became the first player to bag the prestigious award four times in a row. As of now, the footballer holds a record seven Ballon d'Or awards.
After three successful seasons, he became the first player to bag the prestigious award four times in a row. As of now, the footballer holds a record seven Ballon d'Or awards.
In the 2005 FIFA World Cup, Messi was given the FIFA World Youth Championship, finishing the championship with both the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe. He bagged an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
In the 2005 FIFA World Cup, Messi was given the FIFA World Youth Championship, finishing the championship with both the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe. He bagged an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Summer..
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Before joining the Paris Saint-Germain FC following his heartbreaking exit in 2021, Messi has played for Barcelona his entire professional career where he won a club-record 35 trophies, including 4 UEFA Champions Leagues, 10 La Liga titles and 7 Copa del Rey.
Before joining the Paris Saint-Germain FC following his heartbreaking exit in 2021, Messi has played for Barcelona his entire professional career where he won a club-record 35 trophies, including 4 U..
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