Lionel Messi has achieved his dream goal and football legends and mates pay tribute to the Argentine world champion. Another superstar is initially silent in public.
The football world bows to the new world champion Lionel Messi. Former stars and numerous companions pay tribute to the Argentine superstar.
“Messi won his first world title as his trajectory deserves,” wrote Brazilian legend Pele on Instagram. “Congratulations Argentina. Diego is definitely smiling now,” added the 82-year-old, who had lifted the World Cup three times in his career. Diego Maradona, who passed away two years ago, was the last Argentina captain in 1986 before Messi to lift the World Cup. Messi and Argentina beat holders France 4-2 on penalties at the World Cup in Qatar on Sunday.
More than 16 million likes
Pelé’s compatriot Neymar, who plays under Messi at Paris Saint-Germain, was also congratulated. “Congratulations bro,” the 30-year-old wrote to the new world champion on Instagram on Sunday. Also, Neymar, who shockingly lost to Croatia in the quarterfinals with Brazil, posted a photo of Messi with the World Cup trophy. The photo got more than 16 million likes on Monday morning.
Messi’s longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, remained silent on his social media accounts on Sunday evening. The five-time world footballer failed in the quarter-finals of the World Cup with Portugal against Morocco.
Congratulations to the comrades
There have been congratulations for Messi from many longtime teammates. “Let them say what they want, you are and will always be the best,” wrote Uruguayan Luis Suárez, with whom Messi once played at FC Barcelona. Sergio Aguero, who played extensively with Messi in the national team and also celebrated on the pitch at the World Cup, said: “The best in the world, you are the best friend. I love you.”
Former England forward Gary Lineker tweeted that he was “privileged to see Lionel Messi for nearly two decades.” He was a gift from the football gods.
Former US President Barack Obama is also enthusiastic about Messi and gives his answer in an ongoing debate in football. “Congratulations to Argentina and GOAT, Lionel Messi on an incredible World Cup win,” the 61-year-old tweeted. GOAT stands for “Greatest of All Time”.
Basketball superstar LeBron James tweeted Messi’s name with a goat emoji, among other things – Ziege means “Goat” in English. Former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray wrote: “Is Messi the greatest athlete of all time? He forgets football. What a man.”
