Lionel Messi and Argentina’s win at the FIFA World Cup 2022 was monumental not only for the winning country, but thousands of the team’s supporters in the Maldives as well.
Argentina’s star player has a huge fan base in the island nation including both the local and expatriate communities. Messi’s popularity among locals and expatriates, especially Bangladesh nationals became the reason Argentina became the most supported team at this year’s World Cup event.
Following their win against France at the World Cup’s final during Sunday evening’s game, hordes of supporters; both locals and expatriates took to the streets to express their joy. The celebrations ran for hours with many celebrating their favorite team’s victory.
The game was watched by thousands of supporters across various public viewing spots in both Male’ City and Hulhumale’, which included Maafannu Social Center, Henveiru Artificial Beach as well as the Hulhumale' Synthetic Track and the public viewing spot near Hiyaa Housing Flats.
Argentina emerged as the FIFA World Cup 2022 winners after defeating France with a 7-5 score; inclusive of the eventual penalty shootout.
Post game’s closing ceremony observed Lionel Messi being awarded the Golden Ball Award, while France’s Kylian Mbappe took home the Golden Boot Award for becoming the top scorer in this year’s World Cup event.
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