Emotional Lionel Messi celebrates winning the World Cup final after an incredible clash with his wife Antonela and children

LIONEL MESSI celebrated his emotional World Cup victory with his wife and children on the lawn of Lusail Stadium.

The Argentina captain scored twice and then converted his penalty in a shootout as he finally got his hands on the famous trophy.

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But after collecting the Golden Ball for Best Player in Qatar 2022 and then lifting the trophy with his team-mates, Messi took his time to enjoy the moment with his nearest and dearest.

He was joined on the pitch by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their sons Thiago, ten, Mateo, seven, and Ciro, four, as well as his parents and extended family – many of whom wore replica away shirts with his name on the back.

The boys took turns holding the Golden Ball and the medal of their father’s world champion in their hands.

And Antonela, who seemed to be wiping away tears of joy, even got her hands on the main cutlery, gave it a kiss and held it up – before the boys did the same.

The family posed for selfies and photos together while Messi hugged and kissed his wife, who lived the full range of emotions during the thrilling duel in the stands.

She was on her feet and cheered for her husband after he missed his penalty in the 23rd minute to open the scoring.

Everything was smooth sailing with nine minutes left as Argentina went 2-0 up, but Kylian Mbappe’s quick brace forced extra time before PSG team-mates both scored to send it into penalties.

Kingsley Coman and Aurelian Tchouameni missed penalties before Gonzalo Montiel sealed Argentina’s victory.

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Messi took to Instagram a few hours after the re-enactment of Diego Maradona’s iconic celebration to express his delight.

The GOAT wrote: “CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!!!!

“So many times I’ve dreamed it, I wanted it so bad that I still don’t fall, I can’t believe it……

“Thank you to my family, to everyone who supports me and also to everyone who believed in us.

“We proved once again that if we fight together and as one, the Argentines are capable of achieving what we aspire to.

“The merit of this group, which is above the individual, is the strength that everyone is fighting for the same dream that was also that of all Argentines…

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“We made it!!! LET’S GO ARGENTINA!!!!! See you very soon…”

Antonela also took to Instagram and shared some adorable family photos that will make the album when the celebrations finally die down.

One showed the five smiling together, another of the two younger sons kissing the World Cup trophy and one with Thiago holding a piece of the net.

She captioned the post: “WORLD CHAMPIONS!

“I don’t even know where to start… Pride is bigger than we feel for you @leomessi.

“Thank you for teaching us never to give up, you must fight to the end, FINALLY WORLD CHAMPIONS.

“We know what you have suffered for so many years to get what you wanted to get! LET’S GO ARGENTINA!”

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