Messi’s Journey: Achieving a Football Dream in Qatar

Before the tournament in Qatar, Lionel Messi’s story was already remarkable. As the World Cup concluded, Messi’s final piece of the puzzle was completed.

Now, there is no longer a gap in his extraordinary career. The image of Messi holding the coveted trophy will remain forever. The thrilling final of the World Cup ended perfectly.

 

Argentina’s three World Cup victories have been marked by individual brilliance. Mario Kempes shone during their 1978 triumph. Diego Maradona became a legend with his role in 1986.

Kempes had referred to Messi as ‘the king without a crown’ before Qatar. In the Middle East, he earned his rightful place among Argentina’s top legends.

This tournament belonged to him. It started with Argentina entering Qatar filled with hope, as Copa America champions and boasting a 36-game unbeaten streak. A surprising loss to Saudi Arabia turned optimism into nerves, but victories against Mexico, Poland, Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia, and France led Argentina to glory.

Messi was at the heart of it all. He only failed to score in one match and made history as the first player to score in every knockout round of a World Cup. He stood out as Argentina faced challenges from the Netherlands and dominated Croatia in the semifinals. In the thrilling final against France, he shone once again.

Hugh McIlvanney once described the World Cup final as the ultimate event in football, where other matches only build excitement. It is true, but for Messi, he has long been more than just a player. His legacy has been established through numerous records and unforgettable moments.

There is a unique anticipation whenever Messi receives the ball. While many players create excitement, none do it quite like him. This was clear in Qatar, continuing a tradition that has lasted for nearly two decades. It is this magic that ensures he will always be celebrated.

In Qatar, Messi demonstrated his exceptional skills, such as the stunning pass to Nahuel Molina against the Netherlands and his impressive play against Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol.

When he eventually retires, he will leave behind a legacy without regrets. It has been fifteen years since he lost his first final with the national team, marking the start of a challenging journey to this ultimate success.

Three final losses—one World Cup and two Copa America—occurred between 2014 and 2016, leading to a brief retirement from international play. During this time, some unfairly accused him of being more European, due to his early move to Barcelona. This was hurtful for Messi, who grew up dreaming of representing La Albiceleste.

Those disappointments are now part of history. Though it took longer than expected, Messi has finally led his nation to success—Copa America, Finalissima, and the World Cup. He has achieved it all.

Lionel Messi really took the ‘no international trophies’ comments personally 🍵 pic.twitter.com/uD0bcYocCg

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 18, 2022

Following his World Cup victory, tributes poured in for Messi. He is regarded as the most gifted footballer of his generation and possibly the greatest of all time. Writing about Messi is both challenging and easy; while his talent deserves high praise, words often fall short.

This World Cup began with controversy, touching on political and human rights issues. The way the trophy was presented, with Messi wearing a bisht, linked the 2022 final to the first Arab-hosted World Cup.

This choice by FIFA to cloak Messi’s national colors has stirred debate.

However, the tournament was ultimately a success on the field, ending on a high note. Messi scored twice in the final and contributed in the shootout, earning the Golden Ball and lifting the World Cup trophy.

Fairytales are rare in football, but Messi’s journey to this achievement feels deserving of such a title.

In the aftermath, there has been a wave of emotion and relief in football, celebrating that the game’s greatest has completed his collection of trophies. Support even came from rival fans, illustrating how true greatness can unite.

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