Some ran to Gonzalo Montiel, who had just scored the winning penalty. Some ran to goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who had just produced heroics and theatrics during the shootout. But in the euphoric seconds after winning the World Cup, most of Argentina’s players and coaching staff ran to their captain to celebrate. Argentina had won the country’s third title. And yet, almost more importantly, Lionel Messi had won the World Cup.
Messi is the idol not only of supporters but also of the players that he captains. There was a similar scene of his team-mates rushing to
