Embracing Greatness: Paredes’ Priceless Memory of Hugging Messi As World Champions

• Lionel Messi captained Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
• La Albiceleste beat defending champions France 4-2 on penalties after an exciting 120 minutes
• Leandro Paredes was the first to embrace Messi after Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning kick

When Gonzalo Montiel scored the World Cup-winning penalty against France on December 18, everyone moved, but one returned to embrace the captain Lionel Messi.

It was a moment of pure and indescribable joy for Argentinians and fans worldwide on December 18, 2022, when the South American nation defeated the defending champions.

The two nations battled hard throughout 120 minutes, but nothing could separate the two sides. Messi scored twice, including the opening goal from the spot, while Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick.

Randal Kolo Muani had the opportunity to win it for France in the game's final moments, but Emi Martinez pulled off what the French striker described as a great save, as reported by Sports Brief.

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Paredes’ moment with Messi

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes made a quick decision after Montiel’s winning penalty, which will remain with him for the rest of his life.

While others were running to the goal where Montiel and Martinez, who saved a penalty, were, he turned back and hugged Messi, who had dropped to his knees in joy, and uttered words into his ears, which he has now disclosed.

“I will take that hug with Messi for the rest of my life. Turning around, seeing him on his knees and being the first to hug him as a world champion, it was incredible,” he told Argentine journalist Sofi Martinez via Sportskeeda.

“I yelled at him, ‘we are world champions,’ and he told us ‘thank you, thank you, I love you’.”

Paredes started the first game against Saudi Arabia, but a lacklustre performance which culminated in the 2-1 loss, inspired by Herve Renard’s halftime talks as reported by Sports Brief, made him lose his place to young player of the tournament, Enzo Fernandez.

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Messi’s six moments in Qatar

Sports Brief previously reported Messi’s six unforgettable World Cup moments as revealed by the former Barcelona player in celebration of the six months anniversary of the triumph.

The 36-year-old recapped some of Qatar's best moments, including his incredible assist for Nahuel Molina against the Netherlands and his opening goal against Mexico.