“Some things are written in the stars” - Indian cricketers hail Lionel Messi as Argentina win FIFA World Cup 2022 after epic final

Argentina legend Lionel Messi finally fulfilled his dream of winning the FIFA World Cup as he inspired his country to an unbelievable triumph in the 2022 final against France on Sunday, December 18. In a finale for the ages, Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 3-3 at the end of extra time to lift the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986.

Messi opened Argentina’s account in the final at the Lusail Stadium with a penalty in the 23rd minute. Angela Di Maria then doubled the South American giants' advantage in the 36th minute.

Just when it seemed Argentina would cruise to victory in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final, the genius of Kylian Mbappe came to the fore. He scored the first goal for France via a penalty in the 80th minute and soon struck a second by getting one past the Argentina keeper to stun Messi and Co.

Both Messi and Mbappe scored in extra time, with the latter becoming the first footballer in 56 years to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. The match was eventually decided on penalties, with Argentina winning 4-2.

The Indian cricket fraternity hailed Messi and Argentina for their memorable triumph. From Sachin Tendulkar to Yuzvendra Chahal, many former and current cricketers shared their reactions on social media. Here’s a compilation of some tweets:

Many congratulations to Argentina on doing this for Messi! Wonderful comeback from the way they started the campaign.

Special mention to Martinez for the spectacular save towards the end of extra time. That was a clear indication to me that Argentina would clinch this. https://t.co/KoXOTl1fSE

One of the greatest World Cup games of all time. Mbappe was outstanding for France but it was meant to be Lionel Messi’s crowning moment. Congratulations Argentina on becoming the #FIFAWorldCup champions.

What an amazing World Cup Final. Feel for Mbappe - scoring a hat-trick in a World Cup Final and ending up on the losing side. Congratulations to Lionel Messi and Argentina on an incredible win, first in 36 years , a fitting tribute to the great Maradonna. #FIFAWorldCup https://t.co/oJZtnNhNga

Unbelievable game of football! Hard to express in words what it means to #messi and Argentina 🇦🇷 took me back to memory lane when a special bunch of boys did it for no 10 !! #2011 🇮🇳 Congratulations to all the Argentinian fans out there 👏 #FIFAWorldCupFinal @KMbappe 🙌🏼

They say some things are written in the stars 💫

I'm a believer! #LeoMessi

#FIFAWorldCup https://t.co/wQGB1CX9s5

What an unbelievable game! #Argentina you are the #FIFAWorldCup champions. #Messi vs #Mbappe was the highlight. Messi is undisputed GOAT of his generation. Like Pele, Maradona before him ♥️ https://t.co/GRqOSXcQHD

Congratulations Argentina for FIFA worldcup 2022 🏆 What an exciting match ❤️❤️ love it 🥰
.
#fifaworldcup2022 #argentina #mdshami11 #france #leomessi https://t.co/u2vr5ThuiI

The greatest game of football to bid farewell to the greatest ever! Nail biting from start to finish, it couldn’t get better than this! Congratulations #Argentina 👏 #FIFAWorldCup https://t.co/tKurUmDWvj

What a match! One of the best if not the best game of football I’ve ever seen! Congratulations Argentina and Messi.. simply outstanding 👏👏👏 https://t.co/Fpn0yJDkwm

🐐🙏🏻 https://t.co/AKq2Vk1Aax

If you look closely there's a W in this pic. Congratulations to Messi and Argentina for winning the World Cup 👏🏽👏🏽 Phenomenal effort from Mbappe though, what a final! 🙌🏽 #FIFAWorldCup #ArgentinaVsFrance https://t.co/NrBNiHfznA

Could a fifa World Cup final be more incredible than this?!! What a match!! Heart goes out to Mbappe and France..And destiny smiles on messi!! Unreal!! Congratulations Argentina!!
#FIFAWorldCup #Messi𓃵

“Want to keep playing as World Cup champions with Argentina shirt” - Lionel Messi

Following Argentina’s terrific triumph on Sunday, Messi confirmed that he has no plans to retire from international football and wants to play as world champions with Argentina. The 35-year-old told TYC Sport:

“No, I’m NOT gonna retire from the national team. I want to keep playing as World Cup champions with Argentina shirt.”

Sharing his emotions on lifting the FIFA World Cup for the first time, he said:

"It’s simply unbelievable. I knew that God was going to give me the Cup, I was sure — it was a big joy for us. I had this big dream since long time, I wanted to close my career with World Cup. I can’t ask more than this.”

Following the semi-final win against Croatia, Messi stated that the final will be his last-ever World Cup appearance as he would be 39 by the time the 2026 edition comes around.