The 2022 FIFA World Cup has come and gone, with Argentina and Lionel Messi lifting the trophy after their win over France in penalty kicks (4-2).
Messi won his first World Cup while scoring a brace against Les Bleus and has now put himself in the conversation as the GOAT, which many already believe he is after winning the one trophy lacking in his cabinet.
As club football is set to return on Monday with leagues such as the Premier League getting the ball rolling, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp spoke about the tournament and his initial thoughts about seeing the South American nation emerge victorious.
“Argentina deserved it and when you saw the team and the country celebrating, then it probably hit the right country in difficult times,” Klopp said (h/t Liverpool Echo). “I am really happy for them, they waited for a long time.
“The greatest footballer in my lifetime, Lionel Messi, the way he plays football in this age should give us all a hint at how long footballers can perform at the top level. We shouldn’t close the books too early. It was a joy to watch him.”
📺 Jurgen Klopp on Argentina:
"Congratulations to them – it was the best final after 80 minutes I have ever seen in my life. I am really happy for them – they have waited a long time. The greatest footballer of my lifetime – Lionel Messi – it was a joy to watch him." 🔴 pic.twitter.com/PJfDM7TDob
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) December 25, 2022
The 35-year-old showed that age is nothing but a number for him as Messi was at the focal point of Argentina’s attack.
Messi didn’t play passenger on the trip to win the World Cup; he drove the offensive bus. The Paris Saint-Germain star scored in six of the seven matches played by the CONMEBOL side during the tournament.