Messi's World Cup triumph turned into a mural in Qatar

After Argentina's title at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi's historic moment has been immortalized in a giant mural in the city of Al Wakrah, near Doha. The artwork is located in the Barahat Al Janoub area, known as "Argentina Neighborhood", where many Argentine fans stayed during the tournament.

The painting depicts the moment before Messi lifted the trophy, when he was honored by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with the traditional Arab garment known as a "bisht". Created by Argentine painter Martin Ron and Qatari artist Mubarak Al Malik and completed in 2024, the work is 27 meters wide and 11 meters high. Covering an area of about 297 square meters, the painting includes Messi and the Emir, as well as FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the World Cup trophy.

Titled "Magical Night at Lusail Stadium", the artwork symbolizes Argentina's victory and the cultural closeness between the two countries. Blue, white and gold tones stand out in the composition.

The final was played on 18 December 2022 at Lusail Stadium between Argentina and France. The match ended 2-2 in regular time and 3-3 after extra time. Beating their opponent 4-2 on penalties, Argentina ended a 36-year wait and won the trophy for the third time, after 1978 and 1986. Messi scored two goals in the final and received the Golden Ball, awarded to the best player of the tournament.