Lionel Messi led his team to win over the reigning world champions in front of an audience of 88,000 in the stadium and many more at home.
Argentinian fans have been partying into the night after their team won the World Cup in a game considered by several analysts as one of the best in the tournament’s history.
In front of an 88,000-person crowd in Qatar, the team defeated the defending champions France 4-2 on penalties after extra time ended 3-3.
Fans who had traveled to the Middle East applauded as the players were taken through the streets outside of Lusail Stadium in an open-top bus.
Hundreds of thousands of Argentinians celebrated their team’s first world victory in 1986 in Buenos Aires.
It was a rare moment of happiness for a nation battling with rising inflation and an economic crisis that has pushed almost forty percent of the population into poverty.
Rogelio Vazquez, an Argentinian supporter, said: “We could have won easily, but, as usual, we were forced to endure hardship.
However, suffering makes victory all the more satisfying.
Another fan, 46-year-old Diego Aburgeily, remarked, “This team made people fall in love with them for the first time in decades.”
Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, scored twice in the Lusail Stadium and was named the tournament’s most valuable player.
Later, Messi, 35, denied rumors that he was set to retire from the sport, stating on Argentinian television: “I would like to participate in a few more matches as world champion.
“I knew God would grant me this ability; I had a sense this World Cup would be the one.
“It took so long, but it’s finally here. We endured much hardship, but we ultimately succeeded.
“I can’t wait to be in Argentina to see this crazy for myself.”
However, he was not the tournament’s best scorer; that distinction went to Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, who scored eight goals, including a hat-trick in the championship game, and was awarded the Golden Boot.
Several British sports analysts stated after the game that the final would go down in history as one of the greatest football matches ever.
Jamie Carragher tweeted, “One of the greatest matches ever!”
Alan Shearer reported: “We are out of breath up here. It was an incredible conclusion. It was an honor and a delight to be here.
“I’ve never seen anything like that before, and I don’t believe I ever will again. It was astounding.”
Gary Lineker said: “It has been a delight to observe Lionel Messi for nearly two decades.
“Moment after moment of mesmerizing, exhilarating football. He is a gift from the soccer gods.”
Gary Neville remarked, “Messi should be the center of attention, and his World Cup victory is fitting.
“It’s as if he was destined to participate in this tournament, and he’s made a significant contribution.”
There was dismay among French fans, and President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “Congratulations to the French team for its World Cup career and competitiveness.
“You have inspired the nation and fans worldwide. Congratulations on your triumph, Argentina!”
The match concluded one of the most controversial World Cups in history, with pre-tournament debates blazing over the treatment of migrant workers, LGBT+ rights, and the move of the game from summer to winter to avoid scorching temperatures.
The next World Cup finals will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the first co-hosting of the competition since Japan and South Korea in 2002.
