SW News: Lionel Messi made the Sign of the Cross after scoring a goal for Argentina in the extra time against France at the FIFA World Cup final, which was held in Qatar. The Argentine striker’s public expression of the Christian faith was noticed by millions of people around the world.

Messi also thanked God following the match in an interview with TyC Sports. “I just said that God was going to give it to me. I was sure I had a feeling that this was the moment. We suffered a lot — but now it’s time to enjoy it,” he said. The 35-year-old player is a Catholic. The goal was scored by him in the 108th minute of the extra time. The team won Sunday's game in a penalty shootout following the extra time.

Lionel Messi is the winner of this year’s Golden Ball award, which is awarded to the tournament's best player. Emiliano Martinez, the Argentinian goalkeeper won the Golden Glove award, while Kylian Mbappe of France was presented with the Golden Boot award.

Thirty-two teams participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which began on November 20.