Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday night congratulated Lionel Messi's Argentina for winning their first World Cup trophy since 1986. Tagging Argentinian President Alberto Fernández, PM Modi tweeted: "This will be remembered as one of the most thrilling Football matches! Congrats to Argentina on becoming #FIFAWorldCup Champions! They’ve played brilliantly through the tournament. Millions of Indian fans of Argentina and Messi rejoice in the magnificent victory!"
PM Modi also hailed the French team for a "spirited performance". Tagging French President Emmanuel Macron, he tweeted: "Congratulations to France for a spirited performance at the #FIFAWorldCup! They also delighted Football fans with their skill and sportsmanship on the way to the finals."
Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju joined PM Modi in lauding the Argentina team.
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur hailed both teams for the brilliant show of sportsmanship. "Both the teams put on a show for the entire globe & entertained one & all with their electrifying performance," he tweeted.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was watching the match with participants in the Bharat Jodo Yatra, also congratulated both Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who won the golden Boot Award for his eight goals this World Cup. "What a beautiful game! Congratulations to Argentina for a thrilling victory. Well played, France. Both Messi & Mbappé played like true champions! #FIFAWorldCupFinal shows yet again how sports unites, sans boundaries," he tweeted.
Argentina, the Copa de America 2021 champions, finished their 2022 World Cup campaign on Sunday as champions, which in many ways was a perfect tribute to one of the best sports personalities of all time, Lionel Messi. Argentina had won the Copa America last year, the country's first major trophy in 28 years.
The world had tearful smiles as G.O.A.T Messi, who played his fifth and final World Cup on Sunday, walked away with the highly prestigious trophy in his last attempt, adding that 'one missing trophy' to his illustrious cabinet.