After a "crazy" match described as "the greatest" in the history of World Cup finals, reactions were widespread regarding the excitement witnessed in the match between Argentina and France in the Qatar World Cup final. Former England player Michael Owen wrote on Twitter: "An unbelievable match. Definitely the best final ever." Former Spanish star Cesc Fabregas asked, "Is there anyone who still thinks this is not the greatest sport ever?!" Additionally, former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas tweeted, praising the Argentine coach. He said in Spanish: "Quietly and without making any noise, he knew how to lead Argentina to the top. Congratulations!" Former Egyptian star Ahmed Hossam, known as "Mido," expressed disbelief in a tweet, stating, "I can't believe it." He later tweeted again that "the comeback drove people crazy," referring to France's two comebacks to equalize against Argentina in the regular and extra time.
The match seemed to be favoring Argentina after they took a 2-0 lead, but Kylian Mbappe managed to equalize with two goals in two minutes ten minutes before the end. In extra time, Argentina took the lead again, but Mbappe responded once more, sending the match to a penalty shootout that smiled upon Messi and his teammates. For his part, former German international and 2014 World Cup champion Bastian Schweinsteiger called it "an amazing match. Congratulations to Argentina on the World Cup title; Messi has finally crowned his wonderful career."
Reactions were not limited to football stars, as the echoes of this crazy match reached other athletes and even music stars. Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, the world champion in the 100 and 200 meters, said, "The best World Cup final ever," in a tweet accompanied by a photo of him wearing Argentina's jersey at Lusail Stadium, which hosted the match. Similarly, American tennis star Serena Williams wrote, "If I have a heart attack, it's because I'm watching the World Cup."
