Neymar has sent a classy message of congratulations to "brother" Lionel Messi after his World Cup final triumph over France and Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe.
The Brazil star, whose nation were dumped out of the tournament in the quarter-finals, watched from home as neighbours Argentina dramatically came out on top in a jaw-dropping final on Sunday which finished 3-3 after extra-time. But Neymar was willing to put the South American rivalry side in awe of Messi's achievement, as he finally won the World Cup at the age of 35.
"Congratulations brother," the 30-year-old wrote on Instagram, as he shared a photo of Messi kissing the trophy at the Lusail Stadium. Unfortunately, Neymar won't be able to say the same to another of his teammates at the Parc des Princes, as Mbappe went home with only the Golden Boot and a silver medal.
Despite scoring a remarkable hat-trick which helped France come from behind twice, Mbappe ended up on the losing side. Finishing as the top goalscorer of the tournament with eight goals, the 23-year-old superstar couldn't have done much more from a personal point of view but will arrive back in Paris engulfed in disappointment.
For Messi, though, he conquered the world after years of heartbreak and frustration with Argentina. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winners' two goals weren't enough to guarantee glory, as he needed the help of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in what proved to be a one-sided penalty shootout.
Now that his dream of becoming a world champion with Argentina has come to true, Messi is going to enjoy every second. "CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD," the legendary forward wrote on Instagram. "So many times I dreamed it, so much I wanted it that I still don't fall, I can't believe it.
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"Thank you so much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us. We prove once again that Argentinians when we fight together and united we are able to achieve what we aim. The merit is of this group, which is above individuals, is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the one of all Argentinians. We did it! LET'S GO ARGENTINA."
In contrast, it was a gut-wrenching night for the French. Les Blues boss Didier Deschamps couldn't hide his disappointment when speaking after the match. "We didn't do the right thing for an hour," Deschamps, who won the World Cup with France four years ago in Russia, told TF1, via RMC Sport.
"After with a lot of courage, energy, qualities too, we pushed Argentina to its limits. After that, what is it at stake? We didn't do everything well but like this World Cup, there was heart, energy. We come back from nowhere. When you touch something and it escapes us, it's even more difficult to digest, that's how it is, you have to accept it."
