Finally, Lionel Messi lifts World Cup trophy: Emotions, tears, joy for Argentina captain's crowning achievement in potentially his last FIFA tournament

Lionel Messi's final World Cup (presumably, possibly) was a full tournament of dreams.

Carrying his country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, Messi was the star of the show, winning the Golden Ball award as the best player in the tournament.

En route to lifting the trophy, Messi became the first player to score a goal in every knockout stage round of a single World Cup, and he became the all-time leader in World Cup appearances as well.

The victory meant everything to Messi, who claimed before the tournament that this would be his last World Cup journey, though he softened a bit on that afterward. Still, he was an emotional wreck after the final whistle, displaying tears of joy and jubilation as he lifted the trophy along with his teammates.

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Messi in tears after World Cup final victory over France

Lionel Messi's roller-coaster of emotions started as soon as the final whistle blew, with Argentina winning in a penalty shootout thanks to Gonzalo Montiel's clinching spot.

The greatest player of all-time was reduced to tears of joy as soon as the victory was clinched, hugging all his teammates as the

Tears of joy for Messi 🥲#FIFAWorldCupFinal #Messi #ARG pic.twitter.com/vlw5IiU8y0
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) December 18, 2022

This means everything to Messi pic.twitter.com/0S7DDSFJ7w
— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) December 18, 2022

Messi wasn't the only member of Argentina to be reduced to tears. Far from it, in fact. Head coach Lionel Scaloni was a complete mess, and Angel Di Maria was caught crying on the bench at multiple times.

Argentina captain Messi raises World Cup trophy

Argentina players and coaches were made to wait for the French side to receive their runners-up medals, but at long last the trophy was finally presented to the winning side.

Messi kissing World Cup trophy as Argentina win FIFA title

Before celebrating with his teammates, Messi found time to sneak a kiss of the World Cup trophy as the celebrations were just beginning.

Individual awards were given out before the team ones, but Lionel Messi snuck an early kiss of the World Cup trophy while walking up to receive his Golden Ball award as the best player in the tournament.

It was a moment that summed up Messi's career perfectly. At 35 years old, he had worked years and waited so long to have this moment, he just couldn't wait another five minutes to get his hands on the most coveted trophy of his career.

Argentina's Lionel Messi stopped to kiss the #FIFAWorldCup trophy while accepting the tournament's Golden Ball award
📸: Martin Rickett/PA pic.twitter.com/dTUgzP73HE
— PA Media (@PA) December 18, 2022

Messi celebrates World Cup title with mother, family

A moment that fans will remember forever came in the aftermath of the official celebrations as all players remained on the pitch to soak in the spectacle with their families.

Lionel Messi shared a special moment with his mother as the two embraced amidst a flow of tears. His mom couldn't hold back her emotions, as she was overcome by happiness.

Leo Messi and his mother with wining hug!
Proudest moment for a mother. ❤ pic.twitter.com/uAGg5uVT4G
— Rabin Chetry (@ViratRabin) December 18, 2022

Messi then found his family and shared the moment with his wife and children as well.

The GOAT 🐐 messi with his beautiful family 😍
That medal is huge #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/7UEvsb5QCk
— Mimi Fawaz (@MimosaFawaz) December 18, 2022

Messi raises World Cup trophy lifted on Sergio Aguero's back

As fans flooded onto the pitch to celebrate with the Argentina team and players, Lionel Messi was hoisted up above everyone else in a symbolic show of his leadership and importance to the squad.

Holding the World Cup trophy in his hands, Messi rose above the crowd on the shoulders of his former Argentina teammate Sergio Aguero.

Aguero, a member of the Argentine national team until earlier this year when he was forced to retire due to a heart condition, was an emotional member of the national team throughout the tournament. The former Man City striker made headlines as he was a constant streamer on Twitch throughout the World Cup.

LEGENDARY 🐐 pic.twitter.com/TgErGUrrkf
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 18, 2022

Messi calls World Cup title 'crazy' after Argentina defeated France

Lionel Messi was stricken with emotion all post-match, even into his media availability following the World Cup final win over France.

Messi said it was "crazy that it happened this way," and was awestruck at the trophy he was holding, saying, "Look at this Cup, it's beautiful. We suffered a lot but we made it."

Finally, Lionel Messi lifts World Cup trophy: Emotions, tears, joy for Argentina captain's crowning achievement in potentially his last FIFA tournament | Sporting News (2024)