LIONEL MESSI wore a traditional Arab robe as he lifted the World Cup trophy this evening.
The Argentine superstar finally got his hands on the cup he coveted most after a thrilling match against previous world champions France.
After a stunning 3-3 draw, Argentina prevailed 4-2 on penalties following Emi Martinez’s theatrics.
A lengthy ceremony followed, with Messi being awarded the Golden Ball award for best player of the tournament.
Following medal hand-outs for both teams, the 35-year-old finally had an opportunity to lift the trophy.
Just before he did so, he was gifted a traditional Arab robe by the Emir of Qatar while standing next to Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
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After being helped into his gift, Messi gleefully lifted the trophy aloft – bouncing up and down with his team-mates as he did so.
The PSG star had to go toe-to-toe with his club pal Kylian Mbappe in order to come out on top in this classic encounter.
Messi got his side off to the perfect start on 23 minutes, tucking away a penalty awarded for Ousmane Dembele’s light shove on Angel Di Maria.
He was involved in his team’s second goal 13 minutes later, his flick setting up a brilliant counter-attack that resulted in Di Maria making it 2-0.
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It appeared that Argentina would ease to victory from this point, but Mbappe had other ideas.
His quick-fire late double sent the match into extra time, during which Messi again put his side in front.
But once again, Mbappe levelled.
The clash went to penalties, with both Messi and Mbappe scoring theirs before the match was settled by their respective team-mates – Argentina prevailing 4-2 on spot kicks.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
