Brazilian legend Pele stated Lionel Messi “deserved” to be a World Cup winner after Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout in Sunday’s remaining. “Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way. Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved,” Pele, a three-time World Cup champion, wrote on Instagram.

Pele additionally hailed French striker Kylian Mbappe who scored a hat-trick within the remaining which had ended 3-3 after extra-time earlier than coolly slotting in a penalty within the shootout.

“My dear friend, Mbappe, scoring four goals in a final. What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport.”

Pele additionally congratulated Morocco for turning into the primary African nation to succeed in the semi-final and ended his message as regards to the late Argentine legend Diego Maradona.

“And I couldn’t fail to congratulate Morocco for the incredible campaign. It’s great to see Africa shine. Congratulations Argentina! Certainly Diego is smiling now.”

Messi scored twice within the remaining in Doha, taking his tally of targets on the event to seven, and in addition scored within the shoot-out as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties following a 3-3 draw after additional time.

Kylian Mbappe got here second to Messi for that award however did win the Golden Boot for the event’s high scorer with eight targets, one forward of the Argentine skipper.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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