Argentinian soccer legend, Lionel Messi, had been the fan favorite since the commencement of the FIFA World Cup 2022. And as luck, and an impeccable skillset would have it, the soccer GOAT led Argentina to victory with a stellar showdown at the finals. Soccer aficionados worldwide would agree that Messi, in fact, completed soccer, in a monumental saga that would be told for ages to come. Meanwhile, the boxing world also joined fans to pay tribute to the legend.
Argentina faced France in the World Cup finals at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. The tensions, and stakes, were high as this was Messi’s last World Cup appearance. Moreover, a lot of fans worldwide were pining for Messi after the exit of the other crowd favorite, Cristiano Ronaldo.
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On the other hand, France and its star player, Kylian Mbappe, have been making waves in the soccer world with exquisite performances at FIFA 2023.
Messi and Angel Di Maria gave Argentina a headstart with a goal each. However, in a tension-filled late brace, Mbappe saved the game for France. He scored two stellar and consecutive goals, taking the game to overtime. Messi once again took Argentina to the lead with a second goal during overtime.
Mbappe, however, came to France’s aid once again by ending the game with a hattrick finish.
READ MORE – Following Intense Feud, Canelo Alvarez Becomes Lionel Messi Supporter
Argentina went on to secure their third world cup victory, via penalties.
Lionel Messi receives praise from the boxing world
Lionel Messi’s inspirational performance did not go unnoticed by the boxing fraternity. In fact, a lot of notable names took to social media to share their thoughts about the same.
MESSI! So happy for you. GREATNESS 🐐
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) December 18, 2022
Messi messi messi 🫡 Argentina 🇦🇷 Congratulations 🎉🍾 #WorldCupFinal
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) December 18, 2022
Boxing legend, Manny Pacquiao, did not hold back from congratulating Argentina and Messi for the victory. Lightweight phenom, Ryan Garcia, quickly followed suit by praising the team’s performance.
No one should lose this game. Greatest football game I’ve ever seen. My balls are in my mouth just watching this!!! I can’t believe the level of football and drama I’ve been watching. Bravo!!! 👏👏👏#ArgentinaFrance #WorldCupFinal
— Lou DiBella🥊 (@loudibella) December 18, 2022
Similarly, boxing promoter, Lou DiBella, was in awe of Argentina’s performance at the finals.
Hard to admit as an American..but Messi may be the greatest athlete ever. 5’7, 148 lbs..Greatest non-penalty scorer of all time, greatest assister of all time. In a sport that has more people playing it than any other. GAOAT.
Agree?
Muhammad Ali still the most impactful though.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 18, 2022
Ok Messi still the greatest. Sorry Mbappe.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 18, 2022
Meanwhile, over a series of tweets, YouTuber turned boxer, Jake Paul, called Messi the greatest athlete of all time. However, he maintained that the boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, was the most impactful regardless.
Blessed to witness one of the greatest World Cups in history 🤯
CONGRATULATIONS ARGENTINA!! pic.twitter.com/x5lZQJtZc9
— Logan Paul (@LoganPaul) December 18, 2022
Logan Paul, on the other hand, was in attendance at the finals. And gave a first-hand view of the celebration at the stands.
Messi has won a World Cup.
Ronaldo has never won a World Cup.The debate is over people.
— ksi (@KSI) December 18, 2022
However, KSI felt that Argentina’s World Cup victory put to rest the long-drawn Messi vs Ronaldo debate.
Canelo Alvarez also congratulated Messi
The world cup season also had its share of drama. And the most notable one was the Canelo Albarez – Messi beef. Alvarez had issued multiple threats to Messi after the Mexico -Argentina match. And accused him of disrespecting the Mexican flag and jersey.
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Muchas felicidades Argentina, se lo merecían 🫶
— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) December 19, 2022
But, much to the delight of fans, Alvarez also took to social media to congratulate Argentina for their victory.
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What are your thoughts on Argentina’s victory? Do share in the comments below.