Sports Feature
Messi wins World Cup, fulfills promise, unifies ARG, and becomes GOAT
The things he achieved for himself and his country
Lionel Messi finally lifted his first, might be the last, FIFA World Cup trophy after Argentina triumphed against France at Qatar last December 2022. It was a remarkable run for him and La Albiceleste defeated in their opening match before reaching the finals, and eventually, conquering the 32-team tournament held every four years since 1930.
But how great this championship is? Is it even great? Well, this is how great Messi is and why it is safe to associate the word greatness to his name.
Messi wins World Cup
Winning the World Cup trophy is a dream by every footballer. The euphoria of lifting it while representing your country is a once in a lifetime moment. Unfortunately, everyone is not given the chance to achieve the sweetness and tenderness of capturing the title in their careers. Messi almost become one of them.
Leo represented Argentina in the World Cup five times. In the 2006 and 2010 edition, Messi and Argentines exited the tournament in the quarterfinals. Four years later at Brazil, he and his wards finished runner-up behind champion, Germany. Then, they were eliminated by eventual 2018 winner France in the Round of 16. It is an unforgivable journey even for someone tagged as “greatest of all time” or GOAT. He is getting older as the competition progresses, making it more difficult to ace.
But in his fifth try, Messi came savoring the fruits of perseverance. The 35-year-old talisman of Argentina led the white and sky blue shirts to their third FIFA World Cup championship last December 2022. La Albiceleste dethroned defending champion France in a nail-biting match decided by a penalty shootout. In possibly his swan song, the seven-time Ballor d’Or winner scored two goals while wearing the captain’s armband. His scoring, skillfulnes, and leadership made him worthy of the Golden Ball award.
With the World Cup title, Messi’s CV is now complete. To win that trophy, it could be a fitting end for his decorated career.
Messi fulfills promise
In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Messi told TyC Sports that he would walk Rosario to San Nicolas if Argentina wins the tournament. Doing that takes more than 70 kilometers of walking but his willingness to do such only proves how already desperate he was in winning the biggest football competition in the planet. He badly want the title but that didn’t happened as his side lost to France in the knockout round. Back at square one for Messi and Argentina.
Four years later, Messi’s career underwent ups and downs that doubted hopefuls if he can actually lead Argentina back to the top. His 2021 season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was forgetable as he struggled to find rhythm. “Last year I had a hard time, I never ended up getting myself together. I knew it was going to be like that, but now I feel different. This year is different, I am more accustomed to the club, to the play, to the dressing room and my colleagues. Now I feel good, I am enjoying it.” He admitted. But the slump only laid the foundation of his revival.
Messi tallied four goals to help Argentina clinch their 15th Copa America title in 2021 before becoming the Man of the Match in Albiceleste’s 3–0 win against Italy in the 2022 Finalssima. His contributions powered the Argentinians going to Qatar with a 36-match unbeaten streak.
They are on verge of tying Italy’s 37-game undefeated record from 2018–2021 in their opening fixture against superb underdog Saudi Arabia. However, the Saudis surprisingly pulled one of the most historic upsets in World Cup history after beating Argentina, 2–1. This humiliating defeat put greater pressure to Messi and the whole Argentinian squad. Quickly, he came in his teammates’ defense.
“We are going to be more united than ever. This group is strong and has shown it. It is a situation that we have not been through in a long time. It is a big blow for everyone, we did not expect to start the tournament this way. Things happen for a reason. We have to prepare for what is to come, we have to win come what may and keep things in our hands.” Messi said. “It is a defeat that hurts, but we have to keep trusting in ourselves. My message to the supporters is to have faith. We won’t let them down.”
As he promised, the Messi-ah fulfilled it. He brought salvation to the Argentinian believers and hopefuls worldwide. Nonetheless, Messi let the people see a miracle happen — witness him lifting the World Cup trophy.
Messi unifies ARG
Argentina is facing an endless economic crisis. As life gets harder each day, smiling, dreaming, and having fun seems hard. But thanks to the heavenly or cosmic forces, they found a reason to do so.
God may have heard their prayers. The universe moves in mysterious ways. Messi saves them from the sufferings even for a short time only.
Messi’s World Cup glory isn’t just a personal achievement but a dream of every Argentinian. “We have suffered so much through these past years,” an Argentine told BBC South America correspondent Katy Watson. “It’s the first time we have something to celebrate.” In December 18, 2022, Leo gave them a moment to celebrate worth partying in the streets. Fathers, mothers, children, and everyone party like it will never end. “Today the people don’t care whether they eat or not,” another reveller said to Watson. “If people are happy and joyous, the money doesn’t matter. People are happy to spend it today.”
Messi will not only be remembered for his packed cabinet of trophies but also when he put smiles in the faces of Argentinians. Thanks, Leo! Your idol and football great, Diego Maradona, for sure is proud watching you from the above.
Messi becomes GOAT
If not the GOAT, one of the GOATs. We can all agree that refuting Messi’s inclusion to the list of football greats is pointless. He already won everything that a modern footballer can win in this era. Not only that he personally achieved the things a player can dream but also, unified a nation of people struggling to deal with life every day. His aspirations became a country’s dream that he promised and fulfilled.
Football is fun to play and watch, and Messi ensured that it is when he played with a heart, which pours pride and hope. Like wildfire, elation spread fast in Argentina as their hero returned victorious.
Is this the end of Messi’s journey?
As of now, things aren’t clear if Messi will join Argentina to defend their crown in 2026. Some say, he would but these are all speculations only. For now, let’s give the man a space to enjoy his win, as winning football’s top prize is no easy feat. Until it is there, let’s appreciate his greatness that moved a nation. Behold, the one and only Messi-ah of the Argentinians, Lionel “Leo” Messi. Remember his holy name.
