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In two weeks, Argentina will be celebrating one year of being football World Cup winners. Lionel Messi was a huge part of the success which saw them beat defending champions France in the Final on 18th December in Qatar.
Often compared to Diego Maradona for his skills with the ball, Lionel Messi also was trolled for not winning the big prize. It was Diego Maradona who helped Argentina win the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
‘A lot of bad things’ Lionel Messi opens up after World Cup win
Lionel Messi was recently one of the main focuses of an upcoming documentary titled ‘Champions, A Year Later’. During the conversation, the 36-year-old revealed how he was teased and taunted and bad things were said about him.
‘I had a bad time. My family and the people who love me did too. (Critics in Argentina) were very unfair to a generation of players and they said a lot of bad things about me. I’m not spiteful,” he revealed.
While his club accomplishments with FC Barcelona were legendary, Lionel Messi hadn’t won a major trophy. Longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo had won the EURO 2016 for his nation beating France in the final. Things were about to change though as Messi led his side to their 15th Copa America title in 2021. A year later though the boy from Rosario had set his eyes on the biggest prize for any footballer.
Speaking further on the documentary, Messi revealed “feel it like a triumph for me to have changed that situation and won over all the people of Argentina. Today 95 percent or 100 percent of Argentines love me and that’s a beautiful feeling.”
Argentina won the World Cup 2022 title after beating France on Penalties when Gonzalo Montiel converted the spot kick past Hugo Lloris. Argentina and its fans were celebrating the win and it was thanks to one man. Then aged 35 years old, Messi played a key role with 7 goals and 3 assists also winning the Golden Ball and Silver Boot.
