How footballers & sports stars reacted to Lionel Messi finally winning the World Cup
By Sean Walsh
Lionel Messi is a world champion.
After five tournaments, he finally got his hands on the World Cup. The gold and glory is his (as is a place atop 90min's greatest footballers of all time list).
He and his Argentina teammates are now back in Buenos Aires celebrating their coronation, the streets lined with millions of supporters and fans.
But it's not just a triumph being celebrated in Argentina. Here's a look at how those in the world of sport are enjoying Messi's victory.
Watch 90min's World Cup show on YouTube as Harry Symeou, Scott Saunders, Grizz Khan and special guest Kieron Dyer review Argentina's epic win over France on penalties. Subscribe to the channel here!
Neymar
Neymar was heartbroken when Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage (maybe he should have considered taking a penalty in the shootout but whatever).
Nevertheless, he was happy for his good friend and former teammate Messi.
Pele
Touching of Pele to mention the great Diego Maradona in his own tribute to Messi.
Ronaldo
O futebol deste cara joga pra escanteio qualquer rivalidade. Vi muito brasileiro - e gente do mundo inteiro - torcendo pelo Messi nesta final eletrizante. Uma despedida à altura do gênio que, muito além de craque da Copa, capitaneou uma era.
— Ronaldo Nazário (@Ronaldo) December 18, 2022
Parabéns, Messi! pic.twitter.com/djwuKJzexa
Yeah, you're off your nut if you think Cristiano would be wading in. We are of course talking about Brazilian Ronaldo.
Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez also posted a screenshot of him FaceTiming Messi with the trophy on his Instagram story. What a flex.
Dani Alves
The most decorated player in the history of football, Dani Alves's post praising Messi was rather punchy.
Andrea Pirlo
Grande finale… Congratulazioni a Messi e all’Argentina! #FifaWorldCup #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/sGJdPXVItc
— Andrea Pirlo (@Pirlo_official) December 18, 2022
From one World Cup winner at the expense of France to another.
Gavi
Messi .. 🐐
— Gavi (@_pablogavi) December 18, 2022
Short and sweet.
Antonio Cassano
Antonio Cassano talking about Messi’s World Cup for a minute and a half. The best thing you’ll hear today. pic.twitter.com/gOrBr7wNSP
— R 🇦🇷 (@Lionel30i) December 19, 2022
Antonio Cassano is usually a candid interviewee for all the wrong reasons, but his comments on Messi are really hard to argue with.
James Maddison
For those who know football know that tonights result didn’t determine whether Messi was the best player ever or not. But yet I’m so happy he did for the people who thought he needed it so now there’s no debate. 🐐 #Messi𓃵
— James Maddison (@Madders10) December 18, 2022
There are historic tweets of James Maddison calling Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest of all time. This is maturity.
Arturo Vidal
Messi wasn't teammates with Arturo Vidal for long, but he clearly left a lasting impression.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
What a match! 🤯 Congratulations to @Argentina 🇦🇷🏆 With the World Cup title, #Messi has finally crowned his great career 👏🏼 #FIFAWorldCup
— Bastian Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) December 18, 2022
Bastian Schweinsteiger finally did it. He finally didn't jinx the team or player he was cheering on.
LeBron James
MESSI 🫡🐐👏🏾👏🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 18, 2022
Your move, MJ.
Roger Federer
This picture has nearly as many likes as Roger Federer's retirement post.
Andy Murray
Is messi the best athlete of all time? Forget just football. What a man.
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) December 18, 2022
Muzza woke up ready for war.