World champion Messi: That’s how we celebrated

It was his World Cup – and that’s why in the end it was millions of fans who especially celebrated him. While Lionel Messi was carried through the stadium by fans after the 4-2 win in the penalty thriller against France, a celebration marathon began in Argentina that will last even longer. Only today will the Argentinian stars arrive home after a 14-hour flight.

Dozens of videos were sent from the world champion’s dressing room showing the world champion kickers celebrating. Lionel Messi danced arm-in-arm with his team-mates in front of a large table full of beer buckets and champagne bottles. Argentinian music blared from a gigantic box – and when team manager Lionel Scaloni entered the dressing room, he was immediately showered with champagne. In the midst of the noise, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez provocatively called for a “minute of mourning for Kylian Mbappe” – the player who had mocked the Argentines with his four goals in 120 minutes and on penalties. It was a tit-for-tat for Mbappe not feeling South American football was good enough to lift the title.

After that, rehearsals for the celebration in Argentina began. An open top bus took us to the Argentinian team hotel in Doha, where dinner was served before the night of partying began. A state of emergency also prevailed in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires. A million people were out and about in the capital alone. Messi, on the other hand, enjoyed it more in private, at least as far as the public was concerned. Although the 35-year-old also posted a photo, he did not appear at the press conference as announced, but no longer. It is also unclear how things will continue with Messi in sport: The 35-year-old will certainly continue his career in the national team, but his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season. Team boss Scaloni has already promised: “No matter what he decides, the number 10 shirt will also be ready for Messi at the 2026 World Cup.”

No reaction from Ronaldo

The football greats of yesteryear and now also bowed to the Argentine world champion. “Messi won his first world title, as his career deserves. Congratulations, Argentina. Diego is certainly smiling now,” Pele said on his Instagram account. And Messi’s club-mate Neymar was also enthusiastic: “Congratulations, brother,” wrote the 30-year-old and posted a photo of Messi with the World Cup trophy. The statement by tennis icon Roger Federer was also touching: “Fairytale Argentina. Again and again you, Lionel Messi, have redefined greatness. It is a privilege to watch you.” Cristiano Ronaldo had not reacted to Messi’s World Cup title as of Monday night.