Ikoli Victor
Doha
British commentator Peter Drury, who describes himself as a football poet, was in his elements during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final at the iconic Lusail Stadium on Sunday night. “Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni “will be fated, while captain Lionel Messi will be sainted,” Drury used the perfect words to describe Lionel Messi’s triumph with Argentina.
After scoring a brace in the final against France, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner led the Copa America champions to their first World Cup victory in 36 years and the their third in history.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi lifted the coveted winner’s trophy for the first time in his illustrious career, while also making a record 26th FIFA World Cup appearance and winning the Adidas Golden Ball Award.
France and his Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Kylian Mbappe forced the game to penalties with a sensational hat-trick, it was not to be for Les Bleus.
Messi had the last laugh, after goalkeeper Emi Martinez produced a heroic performance in the shootout to help his side to victory.
After Gonzalo Monteil converted the game-winning penalty kick to give Argentina a 4-2 victory, Drury’s commentary is as follows.
‘Argentina, champions of the world. Again, at last. And the nation will tango all night long. 36 years ago since Maradona and Mexico, here finally is a nation’s new throne of immortals. Scaloni will be fated, Messi will be sainted.”
“France this time denied, defied,” he commented.
“Lionel Messi has conquered his final pick. Lionel Messi has shaken hands with paradise.
‘’The little boy from Rosario Sante Fe has just pitched up in heaven. He climbs into galaxy of his own.
“He has his crowning moments and of course he’s not alone and feels for Kylian Mbappe who scored a World Cup final hat-trick and lost, how can that be.
‘’Gonzalo Monteil 25 years old, a boy from River Plate making his way in Europe has ensured this time South America prevails over Europe.And there’s Sergio Aguero, Messi’s best mate a one time prolific scorer for Argentina who couldn’t watch but who turned and embraced the moment as well in La Albiceleste.
‘’The greatest player of his age finally has the greatest accolade football can afford himat the end of one of the greatest football matches ever played. Oh would you want to be where they gonna be tonight .
‘’Party goers in the extreme. The final score in an extraordinary World Cup final 2022 final, France 3 and Argentina 3, and Argentina win it on penalties 4-2.’’
Another of his quotes for Messi was about the Argentine’s goal against Mexico in the group stage, “Messi’s head ooooh! That’s what they came for, the magic man! One more Messi moment and Argentina are alive.”
Another memorable World Cup quote came when Morocco’s Zakaria Aboukhla scored a goal against Belgium. “Moroccan mayhem. Drink it in, Casablanca, Relish it, Rabat! This is your night!”.
Drury has won many hearts and with his poetic World Cup commentary and, on the grandest stage, perfectly used words for the man now regarded as the greatest of all time.
