All is rosy in the world of Lionel Messi with the football icon reminiscing about one of the greatest moments in his footballing career.
Today marks the second anniversary since Messi captained his nation of Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar against a tough French side.
The final was one for the ages, which Argentina eventually won dramatically on penalties after the game finished 3-3 in extra time.
Messi lifted the World Cup alongside Inter Miami linked Angel Di Maria. He isn’t the only Argentine who could join Javier Mascherano’s side.
The achievement marked the third time that Argentina had won the World Cup and the first time since 1986. It’s safe to say new Inter Miami manager Mascherano would have been celebrating the victory as well.
Messi narrowly missed out on securing his third FIFA The Best award on Tuesday, but nothing was going to prevent him from expressing his love for his World Cup achievement.
Messi celebrates World Cup final win on anniversary
The big stage is made for big players and none come bigger than the star that is Messi. Kylian Mbappe did give him a good run having scored a hat-trick though.
Mbappe recently praised Messi explaining how influential he had been to his game.
Getting back to the final, not only did Messi score two goals in the game under the utmost pressure from his nation, but he also stepped up to take Argentina’s first penalty, talk about leading by example.
Of course, Messi buried the spot-kick and he would set the tone for his nation to score all four penalties leading to a 4-2 shootout win.
Messi’s impact on the tournament earned him the Golden Ball as well, which is awarded to the best player of the tournament. He had won this previously in 2014 in less enjoyable circumstances following a 1-0 final defeat to Germany.
Messi holds many trophies and records in his career, but none will be sweeter than the World Cup win.
Taking to Instagram to reminisce on the winning moment Messi said: “Love December and Christmas dates Two years ago could have been a bitter last month of the year, but it ended up being the sweetest of my sporting career. And now, every December I get this memory… Happy 2nd Anniversary to everyone!”
Messi’s exploits on the world stage would also be crucial to the star securing another major award soon after.
Messi leads the way for all-time Ballon d’Or wins
While many footballers dream of winning one prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy in their lifetime Messi can boast a mere eight.
Messi is the only player to win the award with three different teams and also the only one to win it while playing outside Europe, which of course came while at Inter Miami.
The award ceremony following the World Cup success saw Messi win the Ballon d’Or by a landslide 105 points over Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
Inter Miami’s co-owner David Beckham even had the honour of handing the trophy to Messi.
After collecting the award Messi told reporters: “I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved. The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies.
“To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them [Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons.”
Inter Miami fans will be hopeful that there is one more Ballon d’Or run in the much-loved Argentinian who is ready to tackle a new MLS season.