Messi, the football king, finally lifted the World Cup trophy one year ago today! After years of heartbreak and near misses, he led Argentina to glory, bringing them their first win in 36 years.
Messi had already conquered club football with Barca, but the international stage was his last frontier. He yearned for the World Cup more than any Ballon d’Or, even announcing retirement when Argentina kept losing finals. Fans begged him to return, and he did, leading them to Copa America and Finalissima wins.
Their World Cup started rough with a shock loss to Saudi Arabia, but Messi assured everyone they’d bounce back. They did, topping their group and entering the knockout stage, where Messi knew it was “now or never.”
Argentina battled through each game, facing tense moments against Netherlands and Croatia, before reaching the final against France. It seemed like Argentina would cruise to victory, but Mbappe evened things up with two late goals, forcing penalties.
Argentina, the penalty kings, held their nerve and won! Messi, finally holding the World Cup, had achieved everything in football. He completed the game, the king on top of the world.
