Argentina became world champions again after a 36-year absence and Lionel Messi was praised by the international press. Mundo Deportivo claim the former Barcelona player has earned the right to stop being compared to Diego Maradona and the world now “belongs to Leo”.

Argentina won the FIFA World Cup after a dramatic final with France, the draw was decided on penalties (2-2 after 90 minutes, 3-3 after 120 minutes, 4-2 on penalties for the Argentines).

Mundo Deportivo: “The world belongs to Messi”

“Leo, the Argentinian who was always compared to Maradona when he only wanted a world champion star. He already has it. Stop comparing him to Diego, now the world belongs to Messi. And he himself proved it.”

Brand: “Messi brought joy back to Argentina”

“He brought back to Argentina the joy and pride it felt more than 30 years ago when Diego Armando Maradona was in charge of the Albiceleste.” He found his place in the world in Doha to close the perfect legend.”

AS: “Messi’s World Cup”

“The World Cup in Qatar was the World Cup for Messi. Unanimously, the figure of the Argentine is forever engraved in the history of football.

The worldwide recognition of his career, brilliantly crowned against France in the final, makes him the all-time greatest in terms of titles. He hasn’t missed a single major club or national tournament.”

The Guardian: “Messi finally fills a burning gap in his CV”

“It was a consecration, with a completely appropriate spiritual connotation. Lionel Messi didn’t just emulate Argentine soccer god Diego Maradona to lead the nation to World Cup glory.

He finally filled the burning hole on his resume by winning the one title that eluded him. In the process, he cemented his claim to be recognized as the greatest player of all time.”

Le Parisien: “Proud of our players”

“Messi is the best player of all time. We are proud of our players”

La Nouvelle République: “Kylian Mbappe was not enough.”

Liberation: “LEGENDARY”, comment on a photo of Messi and Mbappe. The present and the future, News.ro reports.

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