Lionel Messi fulfilled a destiny that had been his since before he was born and brought spring to Argentina – say the newspapers of his country.
The Argentine press is full of poetic prose, conveying the emotion of journalists who have waited 36 years to see their side on the roof of the world again.
In the Pagina 12 newspaper, Jose Luis Lanao wrote that “it’s spring again”, describing the Argentine flag as “sky blue and white like a cherry blossom illuminated by the open sky”.
He describes the country as “the world champion of football and joy”.
In another newspaper, Clarin, journalist Juan Cruz reminds readers that ‘football is made of roses and thorns’ – while inadvertently raising a question about Messi’s age. While Fifa players list suggests he is 35, Cruz is a year younger.
“Messi, at 34, is the world champion, a trophy he was destined for even before he was born,” said Cruz.
Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez thanked the team, writing on Twitter: “Always together, always united”.
Fernandez’s Chilean counterpart Gabriel Boric offered “a giant hug to our Argentine brothers”, adding: “Your happiness crosses the mountains”.
Here’s how the rest of the world reacted to Argentina’s victory.
Argentina
France
UK
Spain
Brazil
United States
