Dated:
Before Argentina’s victory at the World Cup, the world media praised the “heroic” effort of the French star Mbappé and praised Lionel Messi, who was named “the king of football”.
Thrilling penalty shootout to determine victory and defeat France gave La Albiceleste their first time World Cup since the national hero Diego Maradona directed them to the 1986 title.
And it sparked a Joy explodes in Argentinawhere the media celebrate the nation’s newest generation of World Cup heroes and their talismans Messi.
Images of him holding up the trophy and team celebration have graced news websites and social media feeds in Argentina.
Daily newspaper La Nacion said Messi’s Argentina had won “the greatest final in history”, while Clarin described it as an “unforgettable” match.
The homepage of the sports daily Ole was flooded with the words: “We are world champions!”
The final is considered a classic between Messi and French superstar Kylian Mbappé, and it did not disappoint.
While Messi scored twice to put Argentina ahead, Mbappé inspired the French counter-attack with a hat-trick that sent the final to penalties.
“Heads up,” reads the headline on the front page of French sports daily L’Équipe, the text overlaid with Mbappé holding the Golden Boot as he walks past the World Cup trophy.
“Legendary,” the daily Libération published its front page with pictures of both Messi and Mbappé, while Le Figaro described the French star’s efforts as “heroic”.
‘In God’s Hands’
Messi has long cemented his place among the all-time greats, but the football world is buzzing ahead of the final with the prospect of the quick-footed magician crowning his career. his glory by winning the World Cup – the only major title he has never won. .
And with Argentina’s win on Sunday, debate over his stature in the sport’s history has raged. deal for most.
In the UK, The Times wrote on its front page that Messi had won the “battle of modern masters in the greatest final”. On the front page of the sports section, it describes him simply as “The Greatest”.
The Mirror called him GOAT – “the greatest of all time” – while The Sun said the World Cup was “In God’s hands”, a reference to Maradona’s infamous goal against England in the 1986 tournament.
In Germany, the Sueddeutsche Zeitung also made the same headline with the headline “God’s Feet” for Messi.
It called the match between Argentina and France the “most exciting final” in World Cup history, while daily Tagesspiegel said it showcased “two exceptional talents”.
Even in Brazil – a longtime rival – the O Globo newspaper also paid tribute to Messi, claiming that football has “paid its debt” to its biggest star.
In the United States, which will host the next World Cup with Canada and Mexico, a report in The Washington Post says Messi has finally been rewarded in an “immortal” final.
Spain’s El Pais newspaper said that Messi “was crowned in the final of finals”.
And in Asia, where Messi has countless fans, India’s The Hindu said his Argentina team had kept “an appointment with fate”, while South Korea’s Hankook Ilbo daily called him “” football god”.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
