Lionel Messi struck the 800th goal of his exceptional profession and lifted the World Cup trophy another time in Buenos Aires, telling all of Argentina to take pleasure in this footballing prosperity whereas it lasts.
His landmark strike got here in a 2-0 pleasant win towards Panama on Thursday at El Monumental, as Argentina performed their first sport since triumphing at Qatar 2022.
They confirmed off their World Cup spoils after the ultimate whistle, with Messi addressing the gang and saying it was a moment he had dreamt of all through his life.
Messi, who turns 36 in June, delivered one other impressed efficiency for his nation, hitting the crossbar with two free kicks earlier than sending one other into the highest nook within the 89th minute.
That introduced up the 800 for membership and nation and sealed Argentina’s win, after Thiago Almada bagged the opener within the 78th minute. It was additionally Messi’s 99th goal for Argentina.
With a microphone in his proper hand, and his left positioned on the trophy, Messi advised the gang: “I would like to thanks for all of the love we’re receiving, not only for profitable the World Cup however from earlier than, after we received the Copa America.
“I always dreamed of this moment, being able to celebrate with you in this country. Let’s enjoy it because we spent a long time to win it, and because you don’t know how long it will take until we win it again. Let’s enjoy the third star.”
Paris Saint-Germain’s former Barcelona star received the Golden Ball on the World Cup for his efforts in captaining Argentina to glory. That is the trophy awarded to the participant of the match.
Argentina received the World Cup beforehand in 1978 and 1986, with a 36-year wait coming to an finish when La Albiceleste beat France on penalties within the December 18 remaining, after a 3-3 draw.
#SelecciónMayor Lionel Messi: “Primero que nada, darles las gracias a todos por el cariño que venimos recibiendo. Hace tiempo decimos que íbamos a hacer todo lo posible por ganar un Mundial”. pic.twitter.com/Ufo1GayjTO
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) March 24, 2023
Messi will nearly definitely have retired from worldwide responsibility by the point the following World Cup rolls round in 2026, marking the top of a storied period.
He was eager to unfold the most recent acclaim all through the Argentina ranks.
“I know that today is our day, but I don’t want to forget all those colleagues I had before, who also did everything possible to get this one, and unfortunately it didn’t happen to us, we were very close,” he stated. “They additionally deserve respect and recognition.
“We were going to do everything we could for this. I always dreamed of this moment, being able to come to my country and lift the World Cup. It was shown that it is very difficult to achieve this, it depends on many things. Sometimes due to small details it gets away from you.”
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