Unseen footage has emerged of a heartwarming moment Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria shared after winning the World Cup.
2022 was the year that Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the World Cup trophy at the fifth time of asking, ending Argentina's 36-year wait to win the tournament.
At times the former Barcelona star singlehandedly dragged his side through games, scoring seven goals at the tournament including two in the final.
While Messi is idolised the world over, the relationship between the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and Argentinians has at times been frosty.
Advert
Messi's failure to perform at his best on the world stage, and replicate the achievements of Diego Maradona, wrangled with many of his compatriots.
That changed when he captained Argentina to World Cup glory, and it resulted in plenty of emotional moments.
Many of Messi's teammates grew up idolising him, so it was a dream come true when they helped him to finally win the most important trophy in the game.
One of the teammates who desperately wanted to help Messi win the World Cup was Angel Di Maria.
The 36-year-old is the same age as Messi, but he still regards his teammate as one of his heroes.
Now, new Apple TV documentary Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend has revealed an emotional moment the pair shared during Argentina's trophy celebrations in Buenos Aires.
During the open-top bus parade, Di Maria embraced Messi and said: "For me, playing with you on a team is what I wanted, man. And winning it, winning this trophy with you."
In a monologue recorded for the documentary, the Benfica winger added: "It became more about him than about me. I wanted to win the World Cup for him.
"Without a doubt, for me, he is the greatest in history."
Atletico Madrid and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul said: "People are realising that after so many years of him making everyone else happy, it was time for him [Messi] to be as happy as he deserved."
Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Angel Di Maria, Football, Football World Cup
Alex Brotherton