Messi lifts trophy, Kolkata roars VAMOS!

Emotions ran high for football fans across Kolkata as Argentina took on France at the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Sunday evening, December 18. A nail-biting match, complete with Mbappe’s mind-blowing hat-trick, Messi’s impeccable performance and an exhilarating penalty shootout, was an absolute treat for football-loving Kolkata

Several local clubs had also installed giant screens for numerous fans to enjoy the match

Following Argentina’s win, supporters took over the streets. They celebrated with fireworks, flags and drums

Celebrations continued well into the wee hours of Monday

Many could be seen in tears, hugging fellow fans and celebrating without holding back their tears

Kolkata had already set the stage for Sunday’s FIFA finals. Several sports bars and lounges had prepared to welcome fans for the screening of the final. Specially curated menus were also arranged. Some of these sports bars witnessed full house occupancy during all important matches

A fan reacts as Argentina lifts the coveted trophy. Several areas of Kolkata and other parts of Bengal were awash in blue and white flags as the South American nation won the cliffhanger in a tie-breaker

An Argentina supporter flaunts a giant size model of the trophy on Sunday evening before the high-octane match

Fans clad in Argentina jerseys carry a large cutout of Messi. Mbappe is not left behind either, as France fans proudly carry his cutout (extreme left)

Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona hot-air balloons were flown to celebrate Argentina’s win. Maradona, the late Argentina great with whom Messi was so often compared, helped the South American country become the world champions in 1986