MARGAO
The Argentina flag was displayed in cities and villages all around Goa as fans celebrated the Albiceleste's win over France in the FIFA World Cup final.
Videos on social media showed car horns blaring long into the night in the State with crowds dancing in villages in packed bars and restaurants as fans erupted with joy after Argentina's win on penalties. Others were glued to their TVs and burst firecrackers after the shootout in Qatar's Lusail.
"One of the best World Cup finals, 2 superstars; one who has achieved all and the next is the future who could achieve what Pele did, winning 3 World Cups," said Derrick Pereira, technical director of FC Goa.
Caitano Fernandes, the Goa Football Association (GFA) president, who witnessed the World Cup final in Qatar said, "Football is a winner always, my team or yours."
"It's fabulous. I have never seen a final of this intensity. Argentina won. France didn’t lose," Elvis Gomes, former president of GFA, said. "Congratulations to Messi and the team, a crowning jewel to an illustrious career, well deserved," said Patwin Fijardo, GFA executive committee member. "Messi was just brilliant, to score two goals and then the penalty... For me, he is now alongside Maradona as the best of all time."
Maria Rebello, FIFA referee assessor and former India captain, said it was hard luck for France.
"Messi was named player of the tournament after a stirring fightback by reigning champions France, led by the young pretender Kylian Mbappe," said former India footballer Alvito D'Cunha. "Messi was missing the World Cup in his cupboard. Now the trophy is in his showcase," Alvito said. "This year was Messi's year."
Messi, 35, won the battle of the superstars despite Mbappe’s magnificent second-half hat-trick. And he collected the trophy as best player before fulfilling his lifelong dream to raise the famous Jules Rimet trophy.
