Soccer players around the world are rejoicing as Argentine Lionel Messi (35, Paris Saint-Germain) finally lifts the World Cup trophy and rises to the ranks of soccer’s ‘Greatest Of All Time’ (GOAT).
Messi’s teammate Neymar (30, Paris Saint-Germain) posted a picture of Messi on his Instagram after Argentina won the World Cup final against France on the 19th and wrote, “Congratulations, brother.” Neymar, the ‘ace’ of the Brazil national soccer team who participated in the World Cup with the goal of winning the championship, wept sadly after losing in the quarterfinals against Croatia. After being eliminated from the World Cup, Neymar said, “It hurts like hell,” and suffered from aftereffects, but he shared joy with Messi’s first World Cup victory.
Brazilian soccer hero Ronaldo also sent a sincere congratulation. He shared a photo of Messi lifting the World Cup trophy on his Instagram that day, and said, “Messi’s football stimulates any rival. People from all over the world, including Argentina’s rival Brazil, cheered for Messi in the thrilling final. I say goodbye to a genius who transcended the conflicts of the World Cup and dominated an era.”
Ronaldo said, “My friend Diego Maradona will also celebrate in heaven. Millions of people of all nationalities give a standing ovation. Congratulations, Messi,” he added, honoring Argentine legend Diego Maradona, who passed away two years ago. Korean soccer team captain Son Heung-min (30, Tottenham) clicked ‘Like’ on both Neymar and Ronaldo’s posts.
The stars of the American Professional Basketball Association (NBA) also praised Messi’s performance.
LeBron James (38, LA Lakers), who wrote “Wow, Mbappe!” on his Twitter while watching Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick in the second half of the game, exclaimed after the game by writing “Messi” with a goat emoticon meaning GOAT. marked 스포츠토토
James Harden (32, Philadelphia 76ers) also tweeted his “MESSI the (goat emoji).”
British public broadcaster ‘BBC Sports’ said, “The only difference between the two legendary players is that Maradona has World Cup winning experience and Messi does not. Now that difference has disappeared,” he said. “Now no one will deny that Messi is the best footballer.”