Neymar leads praises for Messi-led Argentina's World Cup victory
Brazil's Neymar lines up ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Croatia and Brazil at Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 9, 2022. (Getty Images Photo)


Lionel Messi, the illustrious World Cup-winning maestro, finally made history at his fifth and final attempt, as Argentina kept their composure to prevail against France in a match for the ages.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, who claimed a second Golden Ball with his brace, saw off domestic team-mate Kylian Mbappe, who bagged only the second-ever hat trick in men's final history, to win in Doha.

La Albiceleste appeared to have wrapped up the prize after goals for Messi and Angel Di Maria in the first half, but were made to work for their triumph after France rose from the canvas to force extra time, and then penalties again after a 3-3 draw.

But Argentina delivered in the shoot-out, winning it 4-2 to end a 36-year drought for football's biggest prize, and confirming one of their true legends adding the biggest accolade of all to his trophy cabinet.

Messi's long-awaited success at the tournament was widely celebrated by players and peers across the game, with Paris Saint-Germain colleague Neymar saluting him on social media.

"Congratulations brother," he posted on Twitter.

Romario, who like Messi won the Golden Ball and the World Cup trophy in the same tournament when he played for Brazil in 1994, mentioned Argentina legend Diego Maradona, in relation to the first tournament since his passing in November 2020. "I'm sure my friend Maradona is happy to see this victory, as are his people. Argentina were better on the field and Messi received the title he was missing today, that of world champion for his country. Congratulations Argentina!" Romario said on Twitter.

Andrea Pirlo, a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, stated, "Great final. Congratulations to Messi and Argentina!"

Jerome Boateng started for Germany against Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final, when a 113th-minute Mario Gotze winner condemned Messi's side to defeat. Having watched Messi come back from that devastating loss to finally get his hands on international football's top prize, Boateng spoke of his joy at watching him finally lift the trophy. "Congratulations Lionel Messi and Argentina. Finally, you got the trophy you truly deserve," Boateng said.

Former Barcelona colleague Dani Alves was delighted for Messi on Instagram, stating, "Football loves you and those of us who love football respect you and congratulate you right now for that moment."