Argentina's Lionel Messi lies in bed with the Fifa World Cup trophy on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, after he and his teammates arrived in Buenos Aires to a heroes' welcome following their penalty shoot-out victory over France in the final in Qatar. Reuters
Argentina's Lionel Messi lies in bed with the Fifa World Cup trophy on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, after he and his teammates arrived in Buenos Aires to a heroes' welcome following their penalty shoot-out victory over France in the final in Qatar. Reuters
Argentina's Lionel Messi lies in bed with the World Cup trophy. Reuters
Argentina's Lionel Messi lies in bed with the World Cup trophy. Reuters
Argentina's Lionel Messi in bed with the World Cup trophy. Reuters
Argentina's Lionel Messi in bed with the World Cup trophy. Reuters
An Argentina fan with a flag of Lionel Messi at the World Cup victory parade in Buenos Aires. Reuters
An Argentina fan with a flag of Lionel Messi at the World Cup victory parade in Buenos Aires. Reuters
An Argentina fan with a Lionel Messi flag at the victory parade. Reuters
An Argentina fan with a Lionel Messi flag at the victory parade. Reuters
Argentina fans at the victory parade in Buenos Aires. Reuters
Argentina fans at the victory parade in Buenos Aires. Reuters
A banner of Argentina's Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona at the parade. Reuters
A banner of Argentina's Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona at the parade. Reuters
Thousands of fans gather for the victory parade in Buenos Aires. AFP
Thousands of fans gather for the victory parade in Buenos Aires. AFP
Fans celebrate in Buenos Aires. AFP
Fans celebrate in Buenos Aires. AFP
Argentina fans in Buenos Aires. AFP
Argentina fans in Buenos Aires. AFP
An Argentina fan takes a selfie in Buenos Aires. AFP
An Argentina fan takes a selfie in Buenos Aires. AFP

Sport

World Cup

Messi pictured in bed with World Cup trophy after triumphant return to Argentina

As thousands of fans give team heroes' welcome in Buenos Aires, PSG star's teammates hail him as greatest player in history

John McAuley
John McAuley

December 20, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Lionel Messi has posted pictures of himself in bed with the World Cup trophy after he and his teammates returned to Argentina to a heroes' welcome.

Argentina captain Messi shared the images of himself in bed with the cup at the AFA complex on Instagram on Tuesday morning, accompanied by the words: "Good morning!"

READ MORE

World Cup 2022 team of the tournament: Messi, Mbappe, Bono, Modric make best XI

More than 100,000 celebrating Argentine fans took to the streets of Buenos Aires to greet their all-conquering team on their return from Qatar.

The Argentine capital has been in full party mode since their side's penalty shoot-out victory over France at Lusail Stadium on Sunday. It was the third time Argentina have won the World Cup and the first win since Diego Maradona led them to victory in Mexico in 1986.

Argentina beat defending champions France 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Jubilant Argentine fans headed into the centre of Buenos Aires in the early hours of Tuesday as the plane carrying Messi and his teammates touched down at Ezeiza airport.

They sang, beat drums. waved flags and lit fireworks as the team, wearing their gold winners' medals around their necks went on an open-top bus parade through the streets of the capital.

Meanwhile, two of Messi's teammates have hailed the Argentina captain as the best player in history after he led the side to victory.

The Paris Saint-German forward, 35, scored twice in a frantic final against France at Lusail Stadium to the north of Doha, with the match finishing 2-2 in normal time – Argentina had been 2-0 up, with Messi scoring the opener – and then 3-3 in extra-time. Messi scored his side’s third, in the 108th minute before Kylian Mbappe completed a hat-trick to send the contest to penalties.

In the shoot-out, Messi rolled home the first spot-kick to lay the platform for Argentina to triumph 4-2. Having played a key role in his country winning a third World Cup and first in 36 years, Messi was named the player of the tournament.

He concluded his campaign with six goals – only Mbappe, with eight, scored more – and three assists.

Asked on Sunday what made the difference in the most dramatic of matches, Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister told UK broadcaster ITV Sport: “It is always Messi, it is always Messi. He is fantastic.

“I think he is the best player in the world, the best player of all time. He is amazing, he is a really nice guy, he is humble, so he has everything to be the best player in history.

“It is amazing to share a dressing room with him and I’m very grateful.”

Teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who has been nicknamed on social media as Messi’s bodyguard, told Spanish platform Gol Mundial: “Lionel Messi is the best in history. There’s no doubt about it.

“He showed it throughout the game; he showed it throughout the tournament. He was the best ever. He showed it even at 35. The best captain I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Argentina v France ratings

ARGENTINA RATINGS: Emiliano Martinez 9 - Aston Villa’s goalkeeper had little to do in the first half as France didn’t have a single attempt on his goal, and took until 70th minute to have a shot off target. Then conceded three goals to Mbappe. Massive save in penultimate minute, then saved again in France’s penalty shoot out. Booked during it, but his mind games worked. Won the Golden Glove. Getty
ARGENTINA RATINGS: Emiliano Martinez 9 - Aston Villa’s goalkeeper had little to do in the first half as France didn’t have a single attempt on his goal, and took until 70th minute to have a shot off target. Then conceded three goals to Mbappe. Massive save in penultimate minute, then saved again in France’s penalty shoot out. Booked during it, but his mind games worked. Won the Golden Glove. Getty
Nicolas Tagliafico 8 - Diminutive left back is now a world champion. Getty
Nicolas Tagliafico 8 - Diminutive left back is now a world champion. Getty
Nicolas Otamendi 7 - Another who played like a man possessed and like his life depended on it, but there’s a mistake in him. He gave France’s first penalty away, letting them into the game. Also deflected an Mbappe shot over on 93 as Argentina wobbled.
Nicolas Otamendi 7 - Another who played like a man possessed and like his life depended on it, but there’s a mistake in him. He gave France’s first penalty away, letting them into the game. Also deflected an Mbappe shot over on 93 as Argentina wobbled.
Cristian Romero 9 - Early collision with Lloris and another when he was booked on 18. Made it tough for Giroud by getting straight on to him. Read the game well, intercepting and setting up attacks. Kneed a 93rd minute ball back to his goalkeeper amid another French attack.
Cristian Romero 9 - Early collision with Lloris and another when he was booked on 18. Made it tough for Giroud by getting straight on to him. Read the game well, intercepting and setting up attacks. Kneed a 93rd minute ball back to his goalkeeper amid another French attack.
Nahuel Molina 7 - The second goal started when the Atletico Madrid full-back won the ball and played it forward to Mac Allister. Charged, emotional, intense. Like them all. AP
Nahuel Molina 7 - The second goal started when the Atletico Madrid full-back won the ball and played it forward to Mac Allister. Charged, emotional, intense. Like them all. AP
Alexis Mac Allister 9 - Fourth minute strike on goal. Ball to Di Maria as Argentina enjoyed a better, more aggressive start to the match. Incredible run and ball to set up the second. Box to box throughout, he was one of the best players in the World Cup final. AFP
Alexis Mac Allister 9 - Fourth minute strike on goal. Ball to Di Maria as Argentina enjoyed a better, more aggressive start to the match. Incredible run and ball to set up the second. Box to box throughout, he was one of the best players in the World Cup final. AFP
Enzo Fernandez 7 - Helped Argentina dominate from the middle. Curled a shot on target after 71 – having been set up by his foil Mac Allister. Booked. Won young player of the tournament. AFP
Enzo Fernandez 7 - Helped Argentina dominate from the middle. Curled a shot on target after 71 – having been set up by his foil Mac Allister. Booked. Won young player of the tournament. AFP
Rodrigo De Paul 8 - Excellent in the first half as he moved the ball quickly. Protected Molina. Volley against Lloris as Argentina dominated, until the 80th minute. AFP
Rodrigo De Paul 8 - Excellent in the first half as he moved the ball quickly. Protected Molina. Volley against Lloris as Argentina dominated, until the 80th minute. AFP
Julian Alvarez 8 - Offside after two minutes as Argentina showed their early intent. Worked hard – in defence and attack - and combined well with Messi. No goals or assists, but a top class supportive role. AFP
Julian Alvarez 8 - Offside after two minutes as Argentina showed their early intent. Worked hard – in defence and attack - and combined well with Messi. No goals or assists, but a top class supportive role. AFP
Messi 10 - In his last World Cup, he held his nerve to put Argentina ahead with a 22nd minute penalty. Flick helped with the second. Worked hard. Lost ball to Coman, which led to France’s second. Scored the third – and he thought winning – goal. Put his penalty away. What an ending. AFP
Messi 10 - In his last World Cup, he held his nerve to put Argentina ahead with a 22nd minute penalty. Flick helped with the second. Worked hard. Lost ball to Coman, which led to France’s second. Scored the third – and he thought winning – goal. Put his penalty away. What an ending. AFP
Angel Di Maria 9 - Tremendous on the left. The 34-year-old skied a shot after 16 following smart link up with Messi. Clever to win a penalty after running into the box on 21 and being pushed by Dembele. Scored in Copa America final and here made it 2-0, finishing an incredible move with a decisive finish. AP
Angel Di Maria 9 - Tremendous on the left. The 34-year-old skied a shot after 16 following smart link up with Messi. Clever to win a penalty after running into the box on 21 and being pushed by Dembele. Scored in Copa America final and here made it 2-0, finishing an incredible move with a decisive finish. AP
SUBS: Marcos Acuna 7 - On for Di Maria after 64. Booked. Ran down the left and found space, before slicing a cross into the stands – which were full to their 88,966 capacity. Reuters
SUBS: Marcos Acuna 7 - On for Di Maria after 64. Booked. Ran down the left and found space, before slicing a cross into the stands – which were full to their 88,966 capacity. Reuters
Gonzalo Montiel 9 - On for Molina on 97. Sent a screaming shot towards goal on 105, only for Varane to head it away. Gave away the penalty at the end of extra time. Took the penalty which made Argentina world champions. Took his shirt off. Cried his eyes out. Getty
Gonzalo Montiel 9 - On for Molina on 97. Sent a screaming shot towards goal on 105, only for Varane to head it away. Gave away the penalty at the end of extra time. Took the penalty which made Argentina world champions. Took his shirt off. Cried his eyes out. Getty
Leandro Paredes 6 - On for De Paul on 102. Booked for a horrendous tackle seven minutes from the very end. PA
Leandro Paredes 6 - On for De Paul on 102. Booked for a horrendous tackle seven minutes from the very end. PA
Lautaro Martinez 9 - On for Alvarez on 103 and made an immediate impact. Two efforts in time added on as Argentina desperately tried to get their lead back. Stayed onside for the third, curling a shot which was parried towards Messi who equalised. Excellent. Reuters
Lautaro Martinez 9 - On for Alvarez on 103 and made an immediate impact. Two efforts in time added on as Argentina desperately tried to get their lead back. Stayed onside for the third, curling a shot which was parried towards Messi who equalised. Excellent. Reuters
German Pezzella N/A - Real Betis player came on for Mac Allister on 115. Getty
German Pezzella N/A - Real Betis player came on for Mac Allister on 115. Getty
Paulo Dybala N/A - On for Tagliafico in time to take a penalty. He did – and rolled it down the middle. Reuters
Paulo Dybala N/A - On for Tagliafico in time to take a penalty. He did – and rolled it down the middle. Reuters
FRANCE RATINGS: Hugo Lloris 4 - Little he could have done about the goals amid a poor defensive performance. Failed to make a single save from the penalty spot. AFP
FRANCE RATINGS: Hugo Lloris 4 - Little he could have done about the goals amid a poor defensive performance. Failed to make a single save from the penalty spot. AFP
Theo Hernandez 5 - Looked bright going forward, but was unconvincing defensively again, and was nowhere to be seen in the build up to Argentina’s second goal which came from his flank. EPA
Theo Hernandez 5 - Looked bright going forward, but was unconvincing defensively again, and was nowhere to be seen in the build up to Argentina’s second goal which came from his flank. EPA
Dayot Upamecano 7 - Two significant interventions in extra time. An impressive performance from the Bayern Munich star. AP
Dayot Upamecano 7 - Two significant interventions in extra time. An impressive performance from the Bayern Munich star. AP
Raphael Varane 6 - Didn’t over commit to challenges and restored calm despite being 2-0 down. Kept things simple with his passing when transitioning the ball out of defence. Out on his feet by the time he was replaced by Konate in extra time. AP
Raphael Varane 6 - Didn’t over commit to challenges and restored calm despite being 2-0 down. Kept things simple with his passing when transitioning the ball out of defence. Out on his feet by the time he was replaced by Konate in extra time. AP
Jules Kounde 4 - Targeted by Argentina on a number of occasions who enjoyed consistent success with balls played into his channel. Struggled to deal with Di Maria who linked play effortlessly from the left. AFP
Jules Kounde 4 - Targeted by Argentina on a number of occasions who enjoyed consistent success with balls played into his channel. Struggled to deal with Di Maria who linked play effortlessly from the left. AFP
Aurelien Tchouameni 5 - Sometimes careless with his passing, but Tchouameni seemed to grow into the game once France added balance into their midfield. Put his penalty wide of the spot in the shootout. PA
Aurelien Tchouameni 5 - Sometimes careless with his passing, but Tchouameni seemed to grow into the game once France added balance into their midfield. Put his penalty wide of the spot in the shootout. PA
Adrien Rabiot 6 - A crucial tackle on the hour-mark ensured Messi didn’t have a chance to make it 3-0. Worked hard throughout the game. EPA
Adrien Rabiot 6 - A crucial tackle on the hour-mark ensured Messi didn’t have a chance to make it 3-0. Worked hard throughout the game. EPA
Antoine Griezmann 6 - Came in and out of the game in spells and applied pressure when tracking back to defend, but Griezmann wasn’t as effective going forward as usual. France looked better when he was withdrawn. AP
Antoine Griezmann 6 - Came in and out of the game in spells and applied pressure when tracking back to defend, but Griezmann wasn’t as effective going forward as usual. France looked better when he was withdrawn. AP
Ousmane Dembele 3 - Gave away the penalty for Messi’s opener despite there being some question over whether it was a foul. Seemed to give away possession every time he touched it, and was replaced in the first-half. EPA
Ousmane Dembele 3 - Gave away the penalty for Messi’s opener despite there being some question over whether it was a foul. Seemed to give away possession every time he touched it, and was replaced in the first-half. EPA
Kylian Mbappe 10 - Just the second hat-trick in World Cup final history - and he ended up on the losing side. When he came alive - eventually - he was unstoppable and terrified Argentina. What a game. PA
Kylian Mbappe 10 - Just the second hat-trick in World Cup final history - and he ended up on the losing side. When he came alive - eventually - he was unstoppable and terrified Argentina. What a game. PA
Olivier Giroud 5 - Frustrated and replaced at the same time as Ousmane Dembele, before half-time, as Deschamps changed his deck to make something happen. AFP
Olivier Giroud 5 - Frustrated and replaced at the same time as Ousmane Dembele, before half-time, as Deschamps changed his deck to make something happen. AFP
SUBS: Randal Kolo Muani (Giroud, 41) 7 - Added more intensity on the forward line. France’s first genuine attempt on goal didn’t come until the 68th minute, but Kolo Muani got the effort from a corner all wrong. AP
SUBS: Randal Kolo Muani (Giroud, 41) 7 - Added more intensity on the forward line. France’s first genuine attempt on goal didn’t come until the 68th minute, but Kolo Muani got the effort from a corner all wrong. AP
Marcus Thuram (Dembele, 41) 7 - Looked bright and played with freedom to attack Argentina defenders. Booked for simulation, though it’s difficult to be too critical with a World Cup on the line. AP
Marcus Thuram (Dembele, 41) 7 - Looked bright and played with freedom to attack Argentina defenders. Booked for simulation, though it’s difficult to be too critical with a World Cup on the line. AP
Eduardo Camavinga (Griezmann 71) 7 - France looked much better when the Real Madrid midfielder was introduced, with Camavinga providing much needed physicality to help begin counter-attacks in more promising areas. AP
Eduardo Camavinga (Griezmann 71) 7 - France looked much better when the Real Madrid midfielder was introduced, with Camavinga providing much needed physicality to help begin counter-attacks in more promising areas. AP
Kingsley Coman (Hernandez 71) 7 - Added an injection of pace at the right time as he soon dispossessed Lionel Messi in the build up to France’s equalising goal. An excellently timed substitution by Didier Deschamps. Missed his penalty in the shootout. Reuters
Kingsley Coman (Hernandez 71) 7 - Added an injection of pace at the right time as he soon dispossessed Lionel Messi in the build up to France’s equalising goal. An excellently timed substitution by Didier Deschamps. Missed his penalty in the shootout. Reuters
Youssouf Fofana (Rabiot 96) 6 - Introduced for Adrien Rabiot who had worked tirelessly all game. AP
Youssouf Fofana (Rabiot 96) 6 - Introduced for Adrien Rabiot who had worked tirelessly all game. AP
Ibrahima Konate (Varane, 113) N/A - Won the corner in the lead up to France’s penalty for the equaliser. Almost picked up an assist to win it. AFP
Ibrahima Konate (Varane, 113) N/A - Won the corner in the lead up to France’s penalty for the equaliser. Almost picked up an assist to win it. AFP
Axel Disasi (Kounde, 120) N/A - On for the penalty shootout. AFP
Axel Disasi (Kounde, 120) N/A - On for the penalty shootout. AFP
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Updated: December 20, 2022, 3:03 PM`
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