Lionel Messi Celebrates 2022 World Cup Anniversary: 'Most Beautiful Madness of My Life'

• Lionel Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar
• Messi won the only trophy missing from the cabinet of his decorated career
• The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is still revelling in the win after one year

On December 18, 2022, wherever you were in the world, loud cheers resonated with words declaring - "Argentina! Champions of the world."

A year has passed since then and captain, Lionel Messi has reflected on one of the finest moments of his career as he 'completed' football.

He had approached what could be the final FIFA World Cup of his career with a mix of ease and expectation, having won the Copa America after several disappointments.

The pressure came from the fact that Pele and Diego Maradona had won the Mundial for their country - to be regarded as one of the greats in the sport, he had to emulate them.

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Per Goal, the South American champions were on a 36-game unbeaten run heading into the event in Qatar but suffered an opening-day upset defeat against Saudi Arabia.

A dejected Messi came out to speak after the defeat and told the world to trust in Argentina and declared they would not let them down - and he truly delivered on these words.

Messi celebrates World Cup anniversary

How time flies that it’s already been a year since arguably the greatest final of all time took place at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, where Argentina defeated defending champions, France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 deadlock over 120 minutes.

The captain, who scored two goals and converted the first spot kick for La Albiceleste, took to his Instagram page to celebrate the anniversary of their success.

"1 year of the most beautiful madness of my life. Unforgettable memories that will last for a lifetime. Happy anniversary to all," he wrote.

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After winning the World Cup, Messi also won The Best FIFA Men's Player and his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or award, beating Manchester City treble winner, Erling Haaland.

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Messi’s top six moments in Qatar

Sports Brief previously reported on Messi’s six unforgettable World Cup moments as revealed by the icon himself in celebration of the six-month anniversary of the triumph.

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