Lionel Messi, the globally renowned football superstar, has declared that Argentina’s World Cup victory against France was a gift from God.

In a post-match interview in Qatar, Messi spoke about the moment he had “craved” as he nears the end of his extraordinary career. “I knew God would bring this gift to me,” he said.

“I had the feeling that this World Cup was the one. It took so long, but here it is. We suffered a lot, but we managed to do it. Can’t wait to be in Argentina to witness the insanity of this.”

These remarks echo those of fellow Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, who credited a header against England in the 1986 World Cup as “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.”

Messi scored twice from the penalty spot in the match, which ended in a 3-3 draw after extra time and was ultimately decided in a penalty shoot-out. Gonzalo Montiel sealed Argentina’s win after France missed twice.

This World Cup is likely to be the last for Messi, who is already considered to be at an advanced age for a forward at 35.

For much of his career, Lionel Messi has dreamed of being a world champion as a member of his home country’s team, saying “this was missing.” In 2014, Argentina reached the World Cup final in Brazil, but ultimately lost to Germany. And in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Argentina was eliminated in the Round of 16.

It was at that World Cup that Messi made a special promise to the Virgin Mary. In an interview with Argentine journalist Martín Arévalo, Messi was challenged to walk to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Luján or the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of San Nicolás if Argentina won the World Cup. Both shrines are located in Argentina and attract millions of pilgrims each year. The Basilica of San Nicolás, in particular, has a history of Marian apparitions dating back to 1983.

To seal his commitment, Messi promised to walk from his home in Arroyo Seco to the Basilica of San Nicolás, a distance of about 24 miles, and shook hands with the journalist.

The married father of three is a practicing Catholic who is open about his faith. He sports a large tattoo of Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns on his right shoulder, as well as another tattoo of a rosary.

It remains to be seen whether Messi will follow through on his promise, but for now, he and his team are celebrating their victory and the fulfillment of his long-held dream.

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