DOHA, December 19, 2022 - The hands are still shaking. The voice is sore. The head spins around Lusail, the giant cradle that has given us one of the most extraordinary nights we will ever remember. Memories of the past and images from the future clash in our brains. People that are no longer with us. People that soon will be with us. We give imaginary, never-ending hugs. We’re all there, in this whirlwind of emotions, trying to process what is happening. Few times one has the privilege of watching the Big Bang. This is one of the nights. It is football’s Big Bang, and it will be studied, told and retold for ages. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, the greatest World Cup final of all-time.

COLLECTIVE FORCE It’s impossible not to feel the vibes, the energy of a collective force made from the beating hearts of thousands of Argentinians that can’t hide their emotions. Women, men and kids of all ages are crying. How not to? They cry here in Qatar, they cry in Argentina, as they take the streets. We all cry together on WhatsApp, FaceTime, Instagram or Messenger. Argentina are world champions.
 

THE KING Messi, the king that has just been honoured with the Bisht, a black cloak Arabian warriors received after a victory, can’t stop smiling. It’s the most beautiful parable, if you think about it. After four World Cups which ended in tears, there’s no crying for Leo in his fifth one. He wanted to be a World Champion, he wanted to lift that trophy so badly, that only him now seems to have the privilege of smiling. But the rest of us, players, fans and coaching staff alike, well, we are still sobbing. 

We wanted this trophy so badly, too, but we also wanted him to lift it, to end all debates, to create a kind of cosmic balance. How Messi, the greatest of all time, was not going to win a World Cup? 

A WARRIOR We are all there offering you the black cloak, crowning you. It’s a divine moment, a true privilege, to offer a gift to the man that will not be remembered as an artist, but also as a warrior. The man that said that his example was not winning, but to keep trying after every defeat. 

There’s your victory, there’s your World Cup, Leo. You’ve given it to us, we give it back to you. 

A TRUE FOOTBALL GOD As he gets ready to kiss it and lift it, the most beautiful sports trophy ever crafted shines more and more. It’s enlightened by our souls and polished with our tears. We’ve dreamed with that Maradona moment so much, and we know it’s about to happen. Soon Messi will be carried on the shoulders into eternity as a true football god, just like Diego. 

LET ME KEEP CRYING Tears are part of journalism. If they weren’t, robots would win. And tonight, in this indelible Doha night, human emotions are unbeatable. So now, please, let me keep crying, muchachos.