Lionel Messi admits he “can’t believe” Argentina won the World Cup as the 35-year-old revels in the ultimate glory.
The forward scored twice during a breathless final against previous holders France, culminating in a dramatic penalty shootout win inside the Lusail Stadium following a 3-3 draw.
Messi was held aloft by his teammates after finally capturing the one trophy to have eluded him until Sunday’s showpiece in scenes reminiscent of the iconic Diego Maradona and his celebrations in 1986.
Lionel Messi lifts World Cup - In Pictures
While the Paris Saint-Germain forward has denied suggestions he will retire from international duty, Messi had already confirmed Qatar would be his last World Cup.
An international career that began in 2005 had led up to the ultimate high. Messi had briefly stepped away from Argentina in 2016 after a series of lost finals but returned to lead his country to Copa America and World Cup victories, adding the game’s biggest prize to one of the most remarkable list of honours football has ever seen.
“So many times I dreamed it, so much I wanted it that I still don’t fall, I can’t believe it,” wrote Messi on Instagram.
“Thank you so much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us. We prove once again that Argentinians when we fight together and united we are able to achieve what we aim.
“The merit is 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!!!”
