It’s been over a month since Argentina lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup. As a result, those who didn’t partake in the victory are beginning to share stories about how seeing Lionel Messi win the trophy made the country feel.
Juan Román Riquelme shared his delight in the blessing that the Argentine National Team provided the country after their performance in Qatar. Of course, Riquelme had his share of moments with La Albiceleste as a player, and even though he wasn’t part of the team, he was happy to see Messi finally become a world champion.
“I thank the players for the joy they gave us to all Argentines,” Riquelme told ESPN (h/t TyC Sports). “For those who like soccer, it was beautiful to see Messi lift the Cup. Not only we wanted that. I think there have been very few times in history that everyone has agreed that he deserved to win it. I am very happy that he has achieved it.”
The former Boca Juniors star explained his relationship with the Paris Saint-Germain star as he played with a young Messi.
Riquelme and Messi shared four years in the Argentine National Team, from 2005 to 2008, when they played in the World Cup in Germany, where the Germans eliminated them in the quarterfinals, and the 2007 Copa América in Venezuela, in which they were runners-up.
“I always said that as long as Messi plays, Argentina will always be the favorite,” Riquelme said. “He likes to compete; he plays ball like in the neighborhood. When he plays, nothing hurts … It’s wonderful.”
