The Qatar University where the Argentina National Team stayed throughout the FIFA World Cup in the middle east nation has announced that they will be turning Lionel Messi’s room into a mini museum. The ‘La Pulga’ finally led his beloved country to ultimate glory by crowning them the world champions in Qatar. It wasn’t easy at all for the captain to inspire his team after they had lost the opening game of the tournament to minnows Saudi Arabia.
However, Argentina bounced back from the early setback and made it all the way to the final. But the final too was harsh on them as they gave away a two goal lead in the final ten minutes of regular time and once again surrendered the lead which Lionel Messi had given them in the second-half of the extra time. The Argentine shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez had to come up big as he helped his side prevail in the penalty shootout to take away the coveted trophy.
Lionel Messi to be honored with museum in Qatar after World Cup triumph
Argentina’s World Cup started from them rejecting a luxurious five-star hotel stay in Qatar in favour of staying at the student accommodation in Qatar University. At a time when teams and players want to be in a comfortable environment to be in their best mental and physical state for such a tournament, it was an odd decision from Messi and co. All of their arrangements were done at the University as Argentina based their camp there for the month-long tournament.
The reason as explained by an Argentine’ spokesperson was that the open space facility allowed the players to feel at home and enjoy their favorite food ‘asados’ made of beef. And it is quite evident that the trick has worked with Argentina going it all the way at the tournament and lifting the coveted World Cup trophy. Lionel Messi, as usual, was key to his side’s success, netting a staggering 7 goals and providing 3 assists the 7 games.
It was double ecstasy for the PSG superstar as he also won the Golden Ball for the best player at tournament, becoming the only player to win it twice [after previously collecting it in 2014]. The win cemented Messi’s legacy as the ‘greatest of all time’, and the Qatar University just want to extend their courtesy as well.
The institute has announced that the room where Lionel Messi was staying for the tournament will be converted into a mini museum to glorify the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s achievements at football’s biggest stage. The director of communications and public relations at Qatar University, Hitmi al Hitmi told Qatari newspaper Al Sharq:
“The room of Argentina national team player Lionel Messi will remain unchanged and will remain available only for visitors and not for residence. Messi’s belongings and will be a legacy for students and future generations and a witness to the great achievements Messi has reached during the World Cup.”
Argentina’s memorable tournament is just getting more celebrated, as the Latin nation itself is still soaked in the welcoming of their third World Cup title, and first since the late Diego Maradona won it in 1986. Messi and his teammates too are busy with the celebrations as they will slated to return to club duties only after the new year. The PSG no.30 will also miss the Parisians’ next game against Strasbourg, whereas beaten World Cup finalist Kylian Mbappe has already joined the club’s drill.