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New Delhi, India
On Sunday (December 18), Argentina and France locked horns in one of the greatest World Cup finals. After a riveting group stage, Round of 16, quarters and semi-finals, the FIFA World Cup 2022 edition's finale saw the defending champions France take on Lionel Messi's Argentina at the Lusail Stadium, Qatar. The momentum shifted from one side to another and the regular and extra time ended with nothing separating the two nations, with the scoreline reading 3-3. In the penalty shootout, Messi & Co. emerged on top, 4-2, to win their first-ever World Cup in 36 years (after 1986) as the Argentine captain's WC run ended in a dream fashion.
Following the epic finale, reactions have been pouring in from all corners. From the likes of Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Sachin Tendulkar, Brazil legend Pele, tennis sensation Andy Murray, Neymar and many others, wishes have been flowing in for the victorious Argentine team. Here are some of the reactions:
Many congratulations to Argentina on doing this for Messi! Wonderful comeback from the way they started the campaign.
Special mention to Martinez for the spectacular save towards the end of extra time. That was a clear indication to me that Argentina would clinch this. pic.twitter.com/KoXOTl1fSE
â Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 18, 2022
We are living in the time of one of the best World Cup Finals ever. I remember watching WC with my mom on a small tvâ¦.now the same excitement with my kids!! And thank u #Messi for making us all believe in talent, hard work & dreams!!
â Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 18, 2022
One of the greatest games ever. Well played Argentina and France. Jogo Bonito. Nobody deserves it more than #messi, imho the greatest ever to play the game. What a swansong. #FIFAWorldCup
â Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) December 18, 2022
Duel in the Desert.
Couldnât ask for a better game. Incredible play by ?? & ?? !!!! pic.twitter.com/XUZxjymAx0
â Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2022
Fantastic Final. Fitting end. Congratulations to Argentina and #Messi #FIFAWorldCup
â Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) December 18, 2022
Is messi the best athlete of all time? Forget just football. What a man.
â Andy Murray (@andy_murray) December 18, 2022
Felicidades Hermano ?? #leomessi pic.twitter.com/5XClpQf15y
â Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) December 18, 2022
Also read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Who won the Golden Boot, Golden Glove and Golden Ball awards?
Speaking about the match, Argentina had a 2-0 lead till the 80th minute before France -- courtesy of Kylian Mbappe's twin strikes -- brought the 2018 winners back in the game and levelled the score 2-2. Messi found the back of the net in the 108th minute before Mbappe completed a treble to push the contest into the shootouts. In the shootouts, it was Argentina who held their nerves to win 4-2.
After the end of the game, Messi -- who had revealed the Qatar final will be his last appearance in the World Cup event -- spoke about his international future and told TyC Sports, as quoted by Goal.com, "No, I'm not going to retiring from the Argentina national team. I want to continue playing as a champion." The 35-year-old returned with the Golden Ball Award, becoming the first player to win it twice (he won it in 2014).