December 18, 2022. It finally happened. Lionel Messi had his date with destiny. After five attempts, the legend won his first FIFA World Cup title. No more shall Messi be considered one of those greats who never won a World Cup. Now he can revel in the glory as Argentina win a title after well over 3 decades.
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It took five attempts, and eventually, in his last World Cup, Messi came good and achieved his dream. A dream that took sixteen years for him to achieve out of a 17-year international career.
Messi’s first World Cup was in 2006 and it was not one to remember. Argentina failed to make it past the quarters and Messi did not do anything to be remembered for.
Fast forward to 2010, Messi had an ordinary tournament once again as his side faltered in the quarters for the 2nd time straight.
AFP
In 2014, Messi came really close to winning it. The skipper inspired his team to make it to the final and they lost to Germany 1-0 in extra time. Incidentally, it was Germany that eliminated them in the last 2 editions. It was heartbreak for Messi.
2018 was even worse as Argentina went down to eventual champions France in the pre-quarters. The dream looked distant and possibly over for the man rated as the best footballer on the planet.
Come 2022 and it was clear it was now or never for Messi. After an opening-shock loss to Saudi Arabia, Messi led by example to take Argentina into the pre-quarters, quarters, semis and eventually final. In the title clash, Messi scored twice as it was deadlocked 3-3 after extra time. Argentina held their nerve during penalties and Messi saw his side win 4-2 to take the World Cup home.
AFP
It has been a complicated love story between Messi and the World Cup but has resulted in a happy ending. Maradona no doubt is smiling from above as Messi ended a title drought that was beginning to hurt fans a lot.
Not all romantic tales end well. But this one certainly got its fairytale ending.