The infinite happiness of a Messi who chose to laugh rather than cry and the emotional speech that caresses the World Cup

With the face of total relaxation. With the smile of infinite satisfaction. With the soul governed by the tranquility of the dream come true. With the three stars on the shield and on the sandals. With the heart that overflows from the chest of so much affection. With the cup raised as the last and final offer to a country that venerates him and recognizes him as his greatest idol. From Doha to Buenos Aires. From Lusail to the Monumental. From the most awaited night of your life to the one with the most fun and enjoyment. Lionel Andrés Messi was the great protagonist of the celebration of the world champions against Panama.

But, before lifting the golden trophy to present it to all the 83,000 fans present and to all Argentines, the best in the world gave away a great goal from a free-kick for the final 2-0 with which he reached his 800th cry in his career professional and with which he broke another record: he was the Argentine footballer with the most goals from free kicks, with 62 conversions, overcoming Diego Armando Maradona (61).

Why, no matter what the friendly against an alternative team from Panama was the excuse for the perfect party, Leo took the game very seriously, like the rest of his teammates. And that great goal that he nailed at the end of the game could very well be a metaphor for his career to glory. Because the blue-and-white captain had to try again several times until he succeeded. He had kicked five free throws. Two hit the posts (one of those rebounds came from Thiago Almada’s goal), two were saved by Panamanian goalkeeper José Guerra and one went wide. Sixth was the underdog for Messi.

So it’s time to lift it once more. Accompanied by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, Messi emulated his almost crouched walk on the Lusail runway and raised the shining trophy to the sky, the one that he sought over and over again without giving up until he finally grabbed it.

That’s what Leo has achieved, to keep smiling and to absorb the affection he most wanted, that of his people, that of his land. On the other side of the Atlantic the boos that he must have unjustly heard at the Parc des Princes from disillusioned Paris Saint-Germain fans. He has come to take refuge in the guise of the national team, where now he only hears applause and bows.

It was a Thursday of mobilisation, without a doubt. But unlike when he returned to his homeland after winning the Copa América at the Maracana, Lionel didn’t need to cry. As in Qatar, Messi did not shed a tear, even if he was moved by the anthem sung by Ariel Ardit and a choir of 83,000 people. The catharsis had already been done in that first title with the Major. The World Cup crossed it from another place, that of entertainment. You could see it in his face, in his statements, in his game. And it was noticed on the river night, in which he chose to laugh rather than cry.

Surrounded by his family, the albiceleste captain made his way around the Olympics walking and waving from every side, paying attention to every sector of the crowded stands as if he wanted to record every moment in his memory. He also jumped, sang and joked with all the champions at that after-court party. Of course, he didn’t dare to dance like Dibu. All that was missing was this Messi who already feels complete.