BANGALORE: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi  on Monday was gifted a Lionel Messi jersey by President of YPF Pablo Gonzalez in Bangalore. 

Argentina just overcame a 36-year drought by winning the FIFA World Cup, and they were led by the inspirational Messi, who was instrumental to their success. Following the match on December 18, PM Modi praised the South American country for defeating France at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

PM Modi receives Messi’s jersey as gift: In a fiercely contested final that was the final World Cup for Argentina's national hero Lionel Messi, Argentina triumphed last December. Argentina won the game 4-2 on penalties after the score remained tied at the end of the second half of extra time.

Announcing that millions of Indians are celebrating Argentina and Lionel Messi's triumph in the FIFA 2022 World Cup, PM Modi also congratulated Argentina on their success.

"This football game will go down as one of the most exciting ones ever! Congratulations to Argentina on winning the #FIFAWorldCup! They've performed admirably throughout the competition. Millions of Argentina and Messi supporters from India celebrate the great victory! @alferdez, " PM Modi said in tweet.

This will be remembered as one of the most thrilling Football matches! Congrats to Argentina on becoming #FIFAWorldCup Champions! They’ve played brilliantly through the tournament. Millions of Indian fans of Argentina and Messi rejoice in the magnificent victory! @alferdez

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2022

Argentina defeated the defending champions France in the final after a close game in Qatar. Argentina triumphed on penalties. After taking a 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, the French army stormed back to tie the score at 2-2. Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France in the closing 10 minutes to send the game into overtime, where more drama ensued.

Messi thought he had the game over when he scored in the 109th minute, but Mbappe scored again in the 116th to force a penalty shootout, which France lost 4-2. Mbappe won the Golden Boot for the most goals scored with eight, while Messi was crowned the "Player of the Tournament" and received the Goldeen ball.

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