2022 was a memorable year for Lionel Messi as he lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy with his beloved country. The 35-year-old finally won the long-awaited, prestigious award he had dreamed of winning since childhood. Indeed, the World Cup wasn’t any less than a fairy tale as they endured a brilliant win.
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The latter recently went back to his country for an international friendly against Panama. La Albiceleste hosted the South American side in Buenos Aires, thus winning the tie 2-0. Second-half strikes from Thiago Almada and Lionel Messi’s free-kick helped Argentina clinch a decent victory.
Fans get emotional as Lionel Messi returns to Argentina
Of course, it was a great moment for Lionel Messi, who returned to his country. His goal was icing on the cake as the 35-year-old scored his 800th career goal. Indeed, it was a historic night for La Pulga.
Moreover, fans created a brilliant atmosphere at the El Monumental stadium, as they were all quite emotional about Messi’s return. Their legendary player was also in tears, as it was a heartwarming moment in the stadium. Hence, netizens around the world can’t stop reacting to Messi’s extraordinary night, thus hailing the star player.
Messis face 🥺🥺It makes me happy. He is truly the goat. A real role model for generations to come! 🐐🐐
— KING SPILL (@veng1234) March 23, 2023
Chills. Cant believe he actually brought the WC home🐐
— Flacco (@messistaleo) March 23, 2023
Goosebumps 😭😭😭😭
— Rash Mena (@rash_mena) March 23, 2023
They are loving it, they deserved it.
— lana (@___lanaline) March 23, 2023
Emotional
— Mehyor (@MehyorOfficial) March 23, 2023
Many netizens were in awe of the atmosphere as the former Barcelona man received a heartwarming welcome.
Unreal atmosphere wow
— Raza (@sraza_10) March 23, 2023
How many spectators were present at the stadium.. There seemed to be a lot
— Noida (@BacksapceAlt) March 23, 2023
Amazing country, Dibu crying explains everything, dale campeon!!!
— Sousa (@CdnSousa) March 23, 2023
That is absolutely crazy 🔥🔥
— Asim (@asimsid98) March 23, 2023
Indeed, it was a memorable night for both the country and Lionel Messi, who finally brought the long-awaited trophy home. Now, Lionel Scaloni’s men will play against Curacao on March 28.
Cristiano Ronaldo also shines for Portugal
While it was an extraordinary night for Messi, his rival, Ronaldo also endured a brilliant night. After a disappointing World Cup exit, the 38-year-old made a strong case for international duty.
Ronaldo was gleaming as he also made a historic record. The Portuguese skipper made another record after getting his 197th cap. The Al Nassr man surpassed Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa as he set a record for the most international caps.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a goal for Portugal every year since 2004.
That's TWENTY years in a row.
Incredible longevity 😳 pic.twitter.com/lkwezuZ3yK
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 23, 2023
Furthermore, the night didn’t end there for the Portuguese, as he led his side to an emphatic 4-0 victory against Liechtenstein. Goals from Cancelo, Bernardo, and a brace from Ronaldo helped them clinch an important victory for the qualifiers. Just like Messi, the former Madrid man also scored a jaw-dropping free kick for his side.
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Indeed, it was a top-notch performance from both legendary players who made their respective records. Moreover, soccer fans had quite a feast as they once again got to witness another masterclass from their rivalry.
WATCH THIS STORY: “It’s Football U Dumba**” – NBA Superstar Trae Young Equates Lionel Messi to God, Through Kanye West’s Million Dollar Album, Leaving Fans in Disbelief
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