The Coronation in Qatar: Three Years Since Messi’s Ultimate Triumph

Three years ago, the sporting world witnessed a moment of poetic justice. In a finale that many describe as the greatest game in football history, the “football gods” finally looked down on Lionel Messi. Under the bright lights of Qatar, the Argentine captain lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy – the one accolade that had eluded him throughout a peerless career. This victory in the 2022 World Cup cemented Messi’s legacy and brought immense joy to Argentina.

That night was more than just a victory; it was the completion of a sporting jigsaw puzzle that had been decades in the making.

A Final for the Ages

The match against France was a rollercoaster of emotions that tested the resolve of the Albiceleste. It wasn’t just a contest between two nations; it was a generational battle between the veteran maestro, Messi, and the heir apparent, Kylian Mbappé.

The Key Moments of the Final:

• The Early Dominance: Argentina’s tactical masterclass in the first half.
• The French Resurgence: A breathtaking comeback that sent the game into extra time.
• The Penalty Heroics: A clinical shootout that etched Messi’s name into the history books alongside legends like Diego Maradona.

The Missing Piece of the Jigsaw

For years, critics used the lack of a World Cup title as a “but” in the debate over the greatest player of all time (GOAT). By leading Argentina to glory in Qatar, Messi silenced the skeptics. His performance throughout the tournament was a masterclass in leadership, proving that even at the twilight of his career, he remained the most influential force on the pitch.

According to Transfermarkt, as of June 12, 2024, Messi’s market value is €30.00m, highlighting his continued relevance in football (https://www.transfermarkt.com/lionel-messi/profil/spieler/28003). Inter Miami CF also provides detailed stats on Messi’s performance, showcasing his ongoing achievements (https://www.intermiamicf.com/players/lionel-messi/).

This victory transformed his legacy from a club-level icon to a national hero whose image now adorns murals from Buenos Aires to Rosario.

Three Years of Reflection: The Messi Legacy

Since that historic night in December 2022, the landscape of football has shifted. Messi’s move to Inter Miami brought “Messi-mania” to the United States, but the echoes of his Qatari triumph remain the benchmark for greatness. Forbes notes Messi’s continued high income and brand value (https://www.forbes.com/profile/lionel-messi/), reflecting his global influence.

The 2022 World Cup win did three things for the sport:

• Validating Greatness: It provided a definitive conclusion to the GOAT debate for millions.
• Cultural Unity: It brought a sense of immense pride and joy to an Argentine nation facing economic hardships.
• Inspiration: It showed the world that persistence pays off, as Messi achieved his dream in his fifth and final attempt.