Argentina's 2022 WC triumph and Messi's ultimate glory

Monoj Kumar Hazarika

(mkhazarika11@gmail.com)

Chants of "Muchachos", the theme song of the Albiceleste, reverberated through the entire Lusail stadium as Montiel's penalty shot hit the net. Messi's Argentina defeated France to become 2022 FIFA World Cup champions.Thousands of Argentinian fans inside the stadium, millions back home and across the world exulted in ecstasy. Maybe Diego rejoiced in the skies!

Ever since making his competitive debut in 2004 at the age of 17, Lionel Messi has been dazzling spectators and capturing the imagination of football lovers across the globe with his magical and mesmerizing skills. He's also shouldered the responsibility to oblige his nation's craving for the trophy again and endure the legacy of Late Diego Maradona. All Argentinians' hopes were on Messi to get them their third World Ccup, as the verse in their theme song, "And Diego, In heaven we can see him, with Diego and La Tota, Encouraging Lionel", indicates. Their dream came true in Doha with the messiah leading from the front. Winning one of the best final matches of the tournament's history, they have become the fourth country to win the coveted trophy three times. Brazil have won it five times and Germany and Italy four times each.

A humdinger of a World Cup final match, fortunes were shifting very fast, mainly in the second half. Argentina dominated the first half hands down, leading by two goals - first a Messi penalty and second a beauty by Di Maria culminating from some exquisite passes, including a subtle precision pass by Messi. So, it's all about Messi leading from the front till the break. They continued to control major part of the second half as well, till French forward Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty and immediately followed it up with another field goal, a terrific equalizer. An extra time Messi goal again gave Argentina the lead, only to be levelled by Mbappe's third goal from the spot. Another great performance - a hat trick by this emerging great player. With the match tied at 3-3, ultimately it was decided by penalties and Argentina won 4-2.

Born on 27th June, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, Messi grew up in a football-loving family. He was naturally gifted as he showcased impressive skills at a very early age, but the condition of a growth disorder held him back from playing to his full potential. He was always the smallest among other children of his age and that had worried his parents. They shifted to Spain when Barcelona football club offered 13-year old Messi a spot in their junior team and also sponsored his medical treatment. He was groomed to be one of the accomplished player at Barcelona as he scripted an irreplaceable saga with the Catalans by playing for 16 straight seasons, scoring 672 goals, winning 10 La-Liga and four Champions League titles. His exceptional legacy will live long for ages.

For Argentina, he made his debut in 2005 and is the highest goal scorer for his country. His World Cup debut was in 2006 where he scored his first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro, although he wasn't a regular in the playing eleven. In the 2010 edition, he couldn't contribute much. But, in the 2014 Brazil edition, Messi displayed his magic by scoring 2 goals against Nigeria and 1 each against Bosnia and Herzegovania and Iran and led his team to the finals, where they faltered against the gutsy Germans by a solitary goal. Although he emerged as the Golden Ball winner, he was heartbroken by the defeat. Despite establishing himself as one of the world's greatest footballers, the grand trophy still remained elusive. The 2018 edition was a dampener for the Albiceleste as they were outplayed by France in the pre-quarter-finals. Messi could score only one goal in the qualifiers. This disappointed his worldwide fans as he couldn't rise and shine in the vital match. On hindsight, maybe the pinnacle was set for Qatar 2022!

After successfully leading Argentina to last year's Copa America title, they arrived in Doha as one of the favourites. But, Messi and company received an early shocker when Saudi Arabia pipped them in their opener despite Messi scoring a goal. Presumably, Qatar being his last World Cup outing, all his fans were panicky at this early upset. Argentina demonstrated courage and came back strongly, ensuring wins in their next two group games against Mexico and Poland. Meanwhile, Messi also regained his golden touch, scoring a stunning left-footer goal against Mexico exhibiting poise and panache. He continued his flamboyance netting one goal each against Australia in the second round, Netherlands in the quarter-finals and Croatia in the semis. This also made him the highest World Cup goal scorer for Argentina, bettering Gabriel Batistuta's tally of 10 goals. Fans will never forget his sensational and genius assist for their third goal against Croatia. Displaying impressive speed and skill in a tightly-controlled run into the box and presenting a sitter to his teammate - it was pure 'Messi Magic'! In the final, he was at his best, flaunting his flair, exhibiting subtleness and precision, and his brace helped them become world champions.

Diminutive Messi's great speed with the ball, his blazing sprints and blasts through defenders were probably unparalleled in the game. His stupendous agility, precision passing and the unique blend of intelligence and perceptiveness he displays both to assist and score goals were mesmerizing and a delight to watch. Recipient of seven Ballon d'Or awards - the most for any football player, the 2009 'FIFA world player of the year', and 'The Best FIFA men's player' in 2019, Messi has achieved all laurels and is already in the pantheon of soccer's greatest players. Still, this 2022 WC prize would undoubtedly be The Most Precious Jewel on his decorated crown. His wife's heartfelt note after the victory, 'We know what you suffered for so many years, what you wanted to get", testifies his craving for the Holy Grail. This triumph has decisively stamped and engraved his greatness!