Argentina’s stunning victory on Sunday has solidified Lionel Messi’s status as soccer’s greatest player of all time. Even former President Barack Obama agrees that Messi may now be the undisputed “GOAT.”
At 35 years old, Messi led his country to triumph against France in the World Cup final. The exhilarating match ended in a 3-3 draw after extra time, ultimately being settled by a nail-biting penalty shootout. This victory not only secured the ultimate prize in soccer but also solidified Messi’s place as an eternal legend in Argentina and beyond.
The aftermath of the win saw countless fans, including Barack Obama, acknowledging Messi’s greatness. The Argentine team received a hero’s welcome as they returned home, finally bringing home the coveted trophy that had eluded them for decades. Thousands of fans greeted them at Buenos Aires airport, and millions more are expected to join in the celebratory parade through the city’s streets.
The significance of this victory goes beyond soccer. In a country where the sport is akin to a religion, the elation and relief felt by the Argentine people are profound, especially during a time of economic turmoil. The scenes of jubilation in Buenos Aires were a testament to the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Argentine people.
Maite Irigoyan, a student from Buenos Aires currently studying in London, summed up the sentiment of her fellow countrymen: “Yesterday’s game epitomizes what it means to be Argentine: fighting until the very end, facing challenges head-on, and giving everything you have, no matter the obstacles.”
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, fans rejoiced as their national team emerged victorious in the soccer World Cup. Despite facing many challenges such as hyperinflation, poverty, and corruption scandals, the country united in their support for Lionel Messi and their shared goal of lifting the trophy. While Argentina has been plagued by political divisions, the World Cup served as a unifying force, reminding the nation that amidst their differences, they are all Argentinians. The tournament provided a much-needed opportunity for celebration and temporary relief from the ongoing problems that plague the country. Although Argentina has always had a deep passion for soccer, their sentiment towards Messi hasn’t always been the same.
For many years, people in the media and fans have criticized Lionel Messi for not performing as well for the national team as he does for his club in Europe. This criticism stems from the fact that Messi does not fit the typical image of an Argentine soccer star, who often rise above challenging backgrounds to bring beauty to the game while maintaining the street smarts and boldness of their upbringing.
Diego Maradona embodies this traditional image, having led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, aided in part by his infamous “hand of God” goal against England, a historic rival. On the other hand, Messi, who left his hometown of Rosario as a teenager to join Barcelona in the Spanish league, has struggled to connect with the public in his homeland, at least until recently.
In a recent article, Brenda Elsey, a history professor at Hofstra University and author of a book on sports in Latin America, highlighted how Messi has defied the macho culture prevalent in Argentine football in his own gentle and understated manner.
The adoration for Messi, now a revered figure in Argentina, may rival the immense admiration for Maradona, another skilled attacker who wore the iconic No. 10 jersey for the national team. Similar to Maradona, Messi surpasses national borders and captures hearts worldwide.
Ahmed Edi, a Saudi Arabian spectator, watched the final game at a fan event in Doha, Qatar. He voiced his support for Argentina due to one simple reason – his love for Messi.
Argentina has gained a significant number of fans in countries like Saudi Arabia, India, and Bangladesh, thanks to their enduring connection rooted in Maradona’s triumph in 1986. The surge in support during this tournament can be largely attributed to Messi.
Pratik Bhattacharjee, a 21-year-old student from Bangladesh studying at Hong Kong University, expressed his admiration for Messi by stating that he thoroughly enjoys watching him play. Bhattacharjee believes Messi’s brilliance surpasses that of any other player, which is why he supports him.
Messi’s ability to impact a game in a split second with an unexpected pass or a mesmerizing run, leaves spectators and defenders dumbfounded. Despite his calm demeanor on the field, Messi’s effectiveness is undeniable, as he holds the record for Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 98 goals in 172 games.
In the final match, Messi added two goals to his impressive tally, contributing to a sporting spectacle that left even seasoned soccer observers speechless. Christopher Davies, a British soccer journalist who has covered eight World Cups, including the 1978 tournament in Argentina, commented that the final on Sunday was the most captivating of them all, largely due to one man’s extraordinary performance.
