Nakul Shivani/ New Delhi

It was a fairytale ending at the FIFA world cup in Qatar on Sunday night. Lionel Messi finally got hold of the world cup trophy that had eluded him since he first played for Argentina in the 2006 world cup, coming in as a substitute in the 76^th minute. In that match Messi made on assist and scored one goal in his team’s 6-0 win over Serbia and Montenegro.

In that world up Argentina lost to Germany in the last-eight stage.

Since then, he has waited and waited, and so have countless number of football fans across the globe for Messi to kiss the trophy. The closest he came was in 2014 when Argentina reached the final only to lose to Germany 1-0.

Last night he made up for all the heartbreaks over the last 16 years. Messi etched his name in the pantheon of all-time greats. For the naysayers, he was finally the once-in-a-generation player.

35-year-old Messi not just lifted the world cup last night but also Argentina, and also to some extent the world that had suffered so much in the last couple of years due to Covid.

Among those taking the lead in hailing Messi and the Argentinian win after last night’s humdinger at the Lusail stadium in Qatar were prominent sportspersons from India.

Leading the applause was another once-in-a-generation sportsman, Sachin Tendulkar. He congratulated Argentina and thanked the players for winning the cup for Messi.

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. pic.twitter.com/KoXOTl1fSE

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 18, 2022

Another cricketer, Virender Sehwag, called the South American team’s win, Messi’s crowning moment.

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.

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 18, 2022

Captain of the Indian football team, Sunil Chhetri, too hailed Messi in what he called the best game of football he has ever watched.

This is the best game of football I've ever watched. Every emotion displayed and felt for 120 minutes and then through every take from the spot. What a show. What a sport. Lionel Messi 💙🤍

— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) December 18, 2022

India’s champion wrestler, Vinesh Phogat called the Argentinian win the culmination of a long-term dream for Messi.

Messi the Goat🐐!!! Finally his longtime dream come true!!! 👏🫶 World Champion 2022!!! 🇦🇷💜💙#FIFAWorldCupFinal #Argentina pic.twitter.com/rbs2m8RbgM

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) December 18, 2022

Former Indian cricketer, VVS Laxman called the win a fitting tribute to the late Maradona.

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 pic.twitter.com/oJZtnNhNga

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 18, 2022

Coming to the match, Kylian Mbappe’s hattrick went in vain as Argentina defeated France 4-2 via penalties after both the teams were tied 3-3 at the end of the regulation 90 minutes.