Lionel Messi has received a plethora of messages from the likes of Pele, Virgil van Djik and even former US president Barack Obama after the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner lifted the World Cup for the very first time.
The 35-year-old guided Argentina to victory at Lusail Stadium as they scraped past France on penalties in a topsy-turvy final in Doha. Tensions were high before kick-off but it was La Albiceleste who took the lead when Messi fired home from the penalty spot, before Angel di Maria doubled their advantage as he finished off a fine team move.
However, Didier Deschamps' side dramatically fought back in the second-half to take the game to extra-time. Kylian Mbappe struck from the spot to half the deficit, before the Paris Saint-Germain star netted a superb volley to level and cause jubilant scenes amongst the France squad and fans inside the ground.
This sparked more drama and Messi looked to have found the winner, though, mopping up after Hugo Lloris saved from Lautaro Martinez to send Argentina's fans wild. But France bounced back again as Mbappe completed his hat-trick with a second penalty to take the game to spot-kicks.
Penalties can be a lottery at times, but it was Argentina who came out on top, winning 4-2 as Montiel scored the decisive spot-kick to win his side the World Cup. After the game, Messi received a number of messages from stars on social media, with his former club Barcelona and Obama amongst those to send him a text.
Obama said on Twitter : "Congrats to Argentina and to the GOAT, Lionel Messi, for an amazing World Cup victory."
Barcelona sent a frank message to Messi: "The best there ever was. The best there ever will be."
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England and Leicester City star James Maddison tweeted: "For those who know football know that tonight's result didn’t determine whether Messi was the best player ever or not. But yet I’m so happy he did for the people who thought he needed it so now there’s no debate."
Gary Lineker posted: "It's been an absolute privilege to watch Lionel Messi for nearly 2 decades. Moment after moment of spellbinding, breathtakingly joyous football. He’s a gift from the footballing Gods. So pleased that he’s lifted the ultimate prize in our sport."
Meanwhile, Messi posted an emotional message on Instagram that thanked his teammates, his family and everyone that believed in him to achieve the feat. It read: "So many times I dreamed it, so much I wanted it that I still don't fall, I can't believe it......Thank you so much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us."
In response to Messi's Instagram post, Van Djik commented with the clapping hands emoji as he congratulated the former Barcelona star on winning the World Cup. Pele, who is currently battling cancer, also replied with a praying emoji and a love heart.
His ex-Barca teammate Jordi Alba said: "Congrats, buddy!! You deserve it!!"
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz commented with two clapping hands emojis, while Jesse Lingard replied with four GOAT emojis and three love hearts as he revealed who he thinks wins the Messi-Ronaldo debate. Alexandre Pato added: "KING".
