Messi lifts his first Fifa World Cup: Here’s how the world is reacting

FIFA World Ranking: Brazil retain top spot despite quarterfinal finish in World Cup

Brazil will retain their position at the top of the FIFA World Ranking this month, despite Argentina clinching FIFA World Cup title on Sunday, their first since 1986 and third overall.

As per ESPN, Brazil have held the top spot since February this year, after dethroning Belgium. Despite Brazil being eliminated from the tournament in quarterfinals, Argentina’s World Cup triumph is still not enough to overtake them.

Argentina prepares for World Cup winners’ welcome home party

Argentines waited eagerly to welcome home their World Cup heroes on Monday as the capital prepared for a massive street party after the national team’s remarkable shoot-out victory over France.

“Crowned with glory,” read a banner on a newspaper kiosk in Buenos Aires, while Clarin and La Prensa dailies both sent a huge “Thank you” to Lionel Messi and his team-mates for winning the country’s third world title, and first in 36 years.

‘The Greatest’: Messi and Argentina the toast of world media

Legendary, greatest, immortal: News media across the planet ran out of superlatives after Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory in one of the most dramatic World Cup finals ever.

The thrilling penalty-shootout win over France gave La Albiceleste their first World Cup since national hero Diego Maradona guided them to the 1986 title.

And it sparked an explosion of joy in Argentina, where the media saluted the nation’s latest generation of World Cup heroes, and their talisman Messi.

Argentina fans celebrate team’s WC triumph with firecrackers, trumpets, ‘Messi, Messi’ chants

Argentina’s world cup victory in Doha after a long wait of 36 years and the memorable swan song for Lionel Messi on football’s biggest stage on Sunday night were celebrated in various parts of India, with supporters of the Albiceleste taking to the streets in blue-and-white shirts, hailing their favourite team’s achievement.

Jubilant scenes were witnessed in Kolkata, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Panaji, Imphal and various other cities and towns after 35-year-old Messi lifted the most coveted trophy of his career following Argentina’s 4-2 victory over France in the penalty shootout. The game was tied at 2-2 after the 90-minute regulation period and at 3-3 after 30 minutes of extra-time.

Messi, Mbappe give Qatar the perfect World Cup ending

It can pay for the World Cup. And the world’s best players. And it can bundle them all up into a perfect package and present it to a global audience of millions.

The power of money was on full display in the Qatari city of Lusail on Sunday as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties to become world champion for the third time and end Lionel Messi’s pursuit of the one major trophy that had eluded him in his storied career.

Keralites celebrate Argentina’s World Cup final win

The streets of Kerala resembled that of Argentina on Sunday night when the Latin American nation lifted the football World Cup in Qatar after a gap of 36 years. Old and young, children and women, soccer fans were out screaming out of joy, bursting firecrackers, shouting the name of Lionel Messi, blowing trumpets and horns, celebrating Argentina’s win by dancing on the streets.

World Cup 2022: ‘My African team…’ Kenyan President lauds French football team

Kenyan president William Samoei Ruto, in a subtle jab at the former colonial rulers of much of the continent of Africa, recognised the African origin of several of the French national football team’s stars as he reflected on the narrow defeat to Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. “Congratulations Argentina for winning the World Cup. My African team at the World Cup played a superb game. Will pay my bet!!! All round wonderful game. Tukutane home.”

‘No I’m not going to retire’: Messi after Argentina lands FIFA WC

In what may come as a relief to millions of football fans across the world, Argentine talisman Lionel Messi has announced that he will continue to play football for Argentina after securing the 2022 FIFA World Cup title with his national team, defeating France. “No, I’m not going to retiring from the Argentina national team,” he told TyC Sports, as quoted by Goal.com. “I want to continue playing as a champion.”

Anil Agarwal on leadership lessons from World Cup

Noting that leadership lessons can be learned from everywhere Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal hailed French President Emmanuel Macron for standing by the French football team in time of defeat. 

Posting a photo of Macron consoling Mbappe, Agarwal tweeted, this photo touched my heart…it reminded me how in moment of defeat, having a leader who stands by you can make any loss feel like a learning…

Is Messi the best athlete of all time? Andy Murray comments

Is Messi the best athlete of all time? Forget just football. What a man, tennis star Andy Murray comments

Lionel Messi’s wife celebrates Argentina’s World Cup win

Antonela Roccuzzo, Lionel Messi’s wife, celebrates with the World Cup trophy

French President consoles Mbappe after finals

Right after the final match on Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron was seen consoling Kylian Mbappé, who dazzled throughout the tournament. 

Kylian Mbappé scored a hat trick seemingly from out of nowhere to electrify the World Cup final, he ended the tournament as the leading scorer with eight goals, and he still missed out on winning a second straight title.

Time and again you have redefined greatness: Roger Federer on Leo Messi

Tennis legend Roger Federer congratulated Messi and Argentina for the historic win saying, time and time again you Leo Messi have redefined greatness. It’s a privilege to watch you

Sundar Pichai searches highest in last 25 years

Sundar Pichai stated that the ‘search’ recorded highest traffic in the past 25 years on Sunday. It seemed like the entire world is searching for only one thing on the internet – the FIFA world cup

Sunil Chhetri hails Lionel Messi

Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri paid tribute to Lionel Messi after Argentina emerged victorious in the FIFA World Cup final against France on Sunday.

“This is the best game of football I’ve ever watched. Every emotion displayed and felt for 120 minutes and then through every take from the spot. What a show. What a sport. Lionel Messi,” Sunil Chhetri tweeted.

Argentina President thanks team for the win

President Alberto Fernandez tweeted “Always together, always united. WE ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS. There are no more words. THANK YOU Argentina.”

Anand Mahindra explains why Messi is Messiah

Explaining why Messi is Messiah, Anand Mahindra says, a Messiah is seen as someone with extraordinary powers. Messi was an ordinary man who with dedication & hard work did extraordinary things. Be your own Messiah

Congratulations Argentina! Certainly Diego is smiling now, says Pele

Brazilian legend Pele said Lionel Messi “deserved” to be a World Cup winner after Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout in Sunday’s final.

“Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way. Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved,” Pele, a three-time World Cup champion, wrote on Instagram.

“Congratulations Argentina! Certainly Diego is smiling now.”

Pele also hailed French striker Kylian Mbappe who scored a hat-trick in the final which had ended 3-3 after extra-time before coolly slotting in a penalty in the shootout.

“My dear friend, Mbappe, scoring four goals in a final. What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport.”

President Emmanuel Macron visits French dressing room after the loss

“We are first of all very sad, very disappointed,” President Emmanuel Macron told reporters in Qatar.

He sought to console Kylian Mbappe and other France players in the locker room, and said he told them that “they made us all immensely proud, and made us all tremble with excitement.”

Sachin Tendulkar wishes Argentina for the win

Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar wishes Argentina for the classic game saying, 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. 

Congress leader P. Chidambaram congratulates Argentina

Congratulating Argentina, Chidambaram tweets, the match came to life after 72 minutes and thousands of hearts would have missed several beats. Ultimately, Argentina and Messi deserved to win. 

What a final…: Kiran Shaw

Biocon boss Kiran Shaw tweets, what a FIFA final! The first half dominated by Argentina, the second half dominated by France and the match finally saluted Messi!

One of the greatest games ever: Sundar Pichai

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, enthralled by the FIFA world cup final, tweets, 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

Prince William congratulates Argentina and Messi

Prince and Princess of Wales congratulates Argentina and Messi

Watch how Argentina is celebrating the World Cup win 

Canadian President looking forward to next World Cup

Justin Trudeau tweeted Congratulations, Argentina! The 2022 World Cup has come to an end, but let’s keep the excitement going – the World Cup is coming to Canada, the United States, and Mexico in 2026. We’re looking forward to hosting the tournament with our North American friends!

FC Barcelona congratulates Leo Messi

Watch singer Ricky Martin celebrating Argentina win

Watch singer Ricky Martin celebrating Argentina win

Barack Obama congratulates Argentina

Congrats to Argentina and to the GOAT, Lionel Messi, for an amazing World Cup victory, former US President Barack Obama tweets

Argentine President Alberto Fernández congratulates the team

Narendra Modi congratulates France for a spirited performance at the FIFA World Cup

The Blues made us dream: Emmanuel Macron

Argentina’s amazing trio

The moment Messi dreamed about

Messi lifts World Cup, Argentina jubilates

Golden glove award goes to Emi Martinez

The golden glove award is given to Argentina’s Emi Martinez. 

Golden Ball goes to Messi

Golden Ball goes, just as it did in 2014, to Argentina’s Messi.

France Kylian Mbappe get his golden boot for top goalscorer

France Kylian Mbappe get his golden boot for top goalscorer in the FIFA World Cup 2022 tournament. 

Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez  gets young player of the tournament award

Young player of the tournament award goes to Enzo Fernandez of Argentina.

Updated World Cup roll of honour:

5: Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)

4: Italy (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006), Germany (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)

3: Argentina (1978, 1986, 2022)

2: Uruguay (1930, 1950), France (1998, 2018)

1: England (1966), Spain (2010)

Argentina becomes first South American nation since 2002 to lift WC

Argentina becomes first South American Team since 2002. Brazil was the last country to lift it.

Argentina’s soccer board express happiness on WC victory

Argentina are now the new World Champions

Argentina lifts FIFA World Cup after 36 years

In the penalty shoot out, Argentina beats France by 4-2

Earlier, minutes of Messi scored for Argentina and giving the team lead in extra time, France Mbappe hit his third goal, levelling the score 3-3.

Extra time over, penalty shoot outs to follow

With the extra time ends in a draw, penalty shoot outs to follow now between France and Australia. 

ET 26 min: GOALLLLLL……Mbappe levels again in Penalty

ET 26 min: GOALLLLLL……Mbappe levels again in Penalty

France’s Mbappe has yet again levelled the score, by hiting the penalty. With this, he has becomeonly the second player in history to score a hat-trick in the final, after Geoff Hurst in 1966.

Argentina 3-3 France

ET 18 min: GOALLLLLLLLL

Messi gives Argentina a lead again, Argentina 3-2 France 2

Second half of extra time underway

Second half of extra time begins. 

ET 15 min +1: Martinez fails to impress 

Lautaro Martinez gets a golden chance to score, but Upamecano denies him, as he studs deflect the ball wide left of goal.

ET 13 min: Double change for Argentina

De Paul and Alvarez make way for Paredes and Lautaro Martinez.

ET 5 min: Romero stands on Mbappe’s foot

Romero stands on Mbappe’s foot, but escapes a yellow card as referee is lenient, as the flag had already gone up for offside.

Match has gone to extra time

With Mbappe levelling the score 2-2 against Argentina, the match has gone to extra time. 

90+5 min: YELLOW CARD for Giroud

Giroud on the bench after substitution, is booked for showing dissent.

Here’s how Mbappe scored his second goal: Watch

Here’s how Mbappe scored his first goal: Watch 

90 min: Eight minutes added

Following the quick goals by Mbappe, that leveled the game 2-2, eight minutes have been added more post second half.

87 min: Yellow card for France’s Thuram

Les Bleus’ Thuram was awarded with a Yellow Card following his goes over Fernandez’s leg in their box.

81: Second goal for Mbappe and France 

Within just 97 seconds after scoring the first goal, Mbappe smashed the second goal for France and this leveled the score 2-2. Now Argentina 2-2 France.

79 min: GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Mbappe takes the penalty shot and hits bulls eye, as Martinez couldn’t stop it. Argentina 2-1 France. 

Penalty for France 

France gets penalty, Mbappe takes shot. 

Lusail Stadium’s attendence

Lusail Stadium is packed to a full house of 88,966 football supporters.

71 min: SUBSTITUTION for France 

Griezmann and Hernandez make way for Coman and Camavinga.

65 min: SUBSTITUTION for Argentina

Angel di Maria replaced by Marcos Acuna.

60 min: Argentina’s dominance continues

The Latin American nation have had nine, with five on target, while still haven’t had an attempt on goal.

55 min: Yellow card for France

Les Blues’ Rabiot booked for a dangerous challenge on De Paul. Awarded a Yellow card.

50 min: Corner for Argentina again

Di Maria gets stopped by Theo Hernandez outside the box. Messi takes the shot, but the ball get deflected by stunning header by Griezmann.  

47 min: Horrifying start for France

It can be called as nearly a horror start to the second half for France, as Argentine players continue their aggressive approach.

46 min: No change for Argentina, France

There is no change for Argentina or France as of now.

Second-half begins

Second-half begins

Just magical Messi….

Magical Messi creates more history

Lionel Messi has now become the first player in World Cup history to have scored in the group stage, round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final in a single edition of the tournament.

Half time: Argentina 2 – 0 France

With Messi’s penalty goal and Di Maria striding the pass by Mac Allister into the box and scoring for Argentina, has given the Latin American nation 2-0 lead against the Les Bleus.

45 min: 7 minutes added first-half

There will be seven added first-half minutes.

41 Min: Substitution for France

Thuram and Muani replace Giroud and Dembele post Argentina score 2 goals.

Here’s Di Maria’s goal for you all

36 min: GOALLLLLLLLL for Argentina, and now its Di Maria

Looks like Argentina have taken total control as Di Maria scored the second goal for Argentina.

31 min: Argentina taking over control

Aggressive Argentina have taken control over the match, while the Les Bleus looks strangely shapeless.

28 min: Messi takes corener again

Messi takes corner again after he was stopped by Hernandez and collided with him. However, the corner did not work as expected by the Argentine player.

Messi’s scores goal against France, watch video 

Its a GOAL for Argentina 

Lionel Messi scores for Argentina again. Leads Argentina 2-1. 

16 min: Argentina gets a hold

Lionel Messi slipped De Paul into the space down right, which he cuts back for Messi. When Messi misses and then Di Maria missed the chance to score as hits the ball over the bar.

8 min: Corner for Argentina

Another aerial battle up as Rabiot half clears the ball.

5 Min: Free-kick for Argentina 

5 min: While going for a header, Upamecano knocks Messi down. Argentina gets free-kick near the halfway mark.

Battle for FIFA World Cup 2022 title begins

The battle for the FIFA World Cup 2022 title begins at Lusail stadium. 

Teams are on their way out, match to begin any minute

Enough of all this build-up stuff. The teams are on their way out. National anthems of France and Argentina are being played now. Match to begin anytime soon. 

Lionel Messi makes more history

The Argentine star player and Captain is about to break the record for the most ever World Cup appearances by a male player.

Prior to him, only legendary German midfielder Lothar Matthaus had the record. This is Messi’s 26th appearance in a World Cup match.

Argentina final line-up released

Closing ceremony over, game to begin in next 40 minutes

The closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup Final 2022 is done and dusted. Now in just 40 minutes the most excited match will begin.

FIFA may reconsider format of 2026 World Cup: Report

FIFA President Gianni Infantino on 18 December said that Fifa is to reconsider the format of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, reported BBC.

The teams will increase from 32 to 48 for the competition and were set to be divided into 16 groups of three, with the top two progressing to the last 32, the report added.

In Qatar, the group stages included some exciting final games as countries tried to secure a top-two place to qualify for the last 16.

The four-team group format, with the top two going through to the knockout stages, has been used since the men’s World Cup expanded to 32 teams in 1998, the report said.

Here’s confirmed France starting XI

Rabiot back for France, Di Maria starts for Argentina

Adrien Rabiot returns from illness in one of two changes to the France team for Sunday’s World Cup final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, for whom Angel Di Maria comes into the side.

Midfielder Rabiot and centre-back Dayot Upamecano were both left out of the French side for the semi-final win over Morocco after contracting a virus which has also affected other members of the France squad.

However, they are both back in the line-up named by coach Didier Deschamps, as Youssouf Fofana and Ibrahima Konate make way.

The rest of the French line-up is unchanged, with centre-back Raphael Varane able to play despite missing training on Friday with cold-like symptoms.

Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud retains his place in the French attack with Kylian Mbappe on the left, despite some suggestions that the latter would play through the middle and Marcus Thuram would start.

The introduction of the experienced Di Maria is the only change to the Argentina side that beat Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals.

The Juventus winger takes the place of midfielder Leandro Paredes, joining Messi and Julian Alvarez in a three-man attack.

Messi is the lone survivor from the Argentina team that started the 2014 final defeat by Germany. Di Maria was also in the squad but missed that game because of injury.

Courtesy: AFP

Ronaldinho shares heart-melting message for ‘little brother’ Messi

Legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho has shared a heart-melting message for former FC Barcelona captain Lionel Messi with Argentina all set to lock horns with France in the FIFA World Cup 2022 finals.

“For me, Messi is a brother, a little brother… All he needs is this World Cup, and I hope he can make this dream come true,” Telefoot quoted Ronaldinho as saying.

Kolkata cafés decked up for Argentina-France final

With football-crazy Kolkata, along with the rest of the world, eagerly waiting for the World Cup final on Sunday evening, cafés in the metropolis have decked up to screen the match to patrons who can enjoy it while having their favourite food and beverages.

Café Kolkata-32, a new but already popular hangout zone in the Bijoygarh-Golf Green area in the southern part of the city, have decorated the establishment with photographs of Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, Julian Alvarez, Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud along with all-time greats such as Diego Maradona.

The café expects a section of patrons to stay back till the end of the match and has put seats and tables in front of a large screen.

The establishment has decorated its entrance and interiors with the flags of the participating nations, including the blue-white stripes of Argentina and blue-white-red of France, the finalists.

Kamalika Ghosh Banik, the owner of 4 Coins café in the Lake Gardens area, said that the establishment has earmarked an area for watching the match and savour food at the same time.

Chinaatherium in Lake Gardens area has adorned its entrance with flags of different footballing nations including India and interiors with jerseys and photographs of the football stars and made necessary arrangements for screening like in previous rounds during which a packed hall was witnessed.

Courtesy: PTI

Expected line-up out

Argentina (4-4-2): Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuña; Di María, De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez.

France (4-3-3): Lloris, Koundé, Varane, Upamecano, T.Hernandez; Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Griezmann; O.Dembélé, Giroud, Mbappé.

Security tightens outside Lusail Stadium

With just one and half hours left for biggest battle of sports to begin, Qatar administration has tightened the security outside Lusail Stadium. Riot police on horses, with helicopters in the sky keeping a close watch on proceedings.

Mbappe likely to join Pele’s rarified league

Who may win the Golden Boot?

As per the current tally, both Mbappe and Messi are tied on five goals in the FIFA World Cup 2022. While Alvarez and Giroud have scored four times.

Here’s what Shah Rukh Khan said on Messi vs Mbappe clash

SRK, whose upcoming movie Pathaan is set for release in January 2023, went for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on December 17. During the interaction, one of his fans asked whom the actor would be supporting in the world cup final. Khan said Mbappe was a “treat to watch”. However, “the heart says Messi,” he added. “Arre yaar the heart says Messi no?? But Mbappa is a treat to watch also,” Khan replied.

Read More Here.

Clock ticking, JUST 3 Hours left

The Les Bleus star too all set for the thriller

Here’s how Messi’s FIFA World Cup story started

Gary Lineker has reserved the highest praise for Lionel Messi

Messi capable of playing ‘until he’s 50’: Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez

Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez hinted that Messi could return for the 2026 World Cup and capable of playing ‘until he’s 50’.

Despite Messi will be 39 when the next World Cup rolls around in 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the Aston Villa goalkeeper opines that the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s unique physical and technical qualities will push forward him to play for Argentina.

“For me, he can play until he is 50. He looks really sharp and he looks so good. He makes things look easy – it’s the hardest thing to do,” goal.com quoted Martinez as saying when he was speaking with Footballers Lives.

Read More Here