Lionel Messi shares emotional post to mark anniversary of Argentina's historic World Cup triumph

Lionel Messi posted an emotional message on Instagram to celebrate Argentina's World Cup triumph that came exactly on this day in 2022. Argentina defeated France in the World Cup final on December 18, 2023. The final lived up to its expectations and will go down as perhaps the most exhilarating FIFA World Cup final of all time. The match ended in a 3-3 tie after extra time at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, setting up a nail-biting penalty shootout. Argentina won on penalties with a 4-2 score, capturing their third world title and first since 1986.

3 things you need to know

• Argentina won the FIFA World Cup 2022
• Argentina defeated France in the World Cup final
• Lionel Messi received the Golden Ball award for being adjudged as the best player of the tournament

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Reliving the iconic Argentina vs France FIFA World Cup final

Argentina gained an early lead thanks to Messi's penalty conversion and Angel Di Mar­a's spectacular finish following a quick counter-attack. France, on the other hand, rallied back fiercely, with Mbappe scoring twice within minutes to tie the game. Argentina went ahead again in extra time, but Mbappe completed his hat-trick with another penalty, bringing the game to a shootout.

Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, emerged as a hero, saving Kingsley Coman's penalty and seemingly persuading Aurelien Tchouameni to fire wide, allowing the game to eventually boil down to Gonzalo Montiel's kick. Montiel made no error and as a result, Argentina won the World Cup. This triumph was special for Messi, who finally raised the prized trophy, solidifying his position as one of the greatest players of all time.

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Lionel Messi's special post on the anniversary of the World Cup triumph

On the anniversary of the World Cup win, Messi posted an emotional message to his followers on Instagram. The Argentine maestro described his victory as "the most beautiful madness of my playing career," adding that the competition will live on in his memory for a lifetime.

"Year of the most beautiful craziness of my career... 
Unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Happy anniversary to all!" wrote Messi in his post."

While the 2022 World Cup was seen as the last chapter of Lionel Messi's international career, since then a year has passed and Messi has kept himself open to an Argentina call-up. He has continued to represent his nation following the World Cup, and as per speculations, another World Cup feature is on the cards.