Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties in a highly dramatic 2022 World Cup final on Sunday. Herbert Hainer, FC Bayern president, CEO Oliver Kahn and board member for sport Hasan Salihamidžić congratulated the new world champions from Argentina and star Lionel Messi, but also paid credit to FCB’s French players Dayot Upamecano, Kingsley Coman, Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernández for an excellent tournament.
The reaction from Hainer, Kahn & Salihamidžić to World Cup final
Herbert Hainer, FC Bayern president: “What a final! Congratulations to Argentina and Lionel Messi, who crowned his career. However, FC Bayern are also proud after this World Cup and this thrilling final of Dayot Upamecano, Kingsley Coman, Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernández. Since 1982, at least one FC Bayern player has been involved in every final, which speaks for our club. We’re looking forward to the return of our runners-up, they’ve had a great tournament – and in 2023 it will be back to ‘Allez les Rouges!’ with renewed zest.”
Oliver Kahn, CEO: “Congratulations to Argentina and the outstanding Lionel Messi on 2022 World Cup victory after this enthralling final! Great credit, too, to our players Dayot Upamecano, Kingsley Coman, Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernández from FC Bayern, who were so close to defending the title with France. After losing in a final it’s about picking yourself up and going again. Overall all the players can be very proud of their performances.”
Hasan Salihamidžić, board member for sport: “A world-class final. I feel sorry for our French players, they performed very well. I’m very pleased for Lionel Messi that he was able to gold-plate his status as the best player in the history of football with the World Cup title. Argentina are worthy world champions!”
Lionel Messi speaks following World Cup win: “I’m not retiring!”
Lionel Messi has finally completed football. Going head-to-head against France in the final, Argentine came out victors on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 game which included a Messi brace and a Kylian Mbappe hattrick.
Speaking following the incredible win, Messi confirmed his intentions to continue with the Argentine national team.
“No, I’m not retiring from the national team. I want to keep playing as a World Cup champion,” he said.
There was a lot made out about Messi’s plans post a hypothetical win, with many assuming that he would call curtains on his glorious career. Leo confirmed that it was well and truly the last trophy he wanted to win in his career before retiring.
“I had this big dream for a long time, I wanted to close my career with the World Cup. I cannot ask for more than this.”
“It’s simply unbelievable, I knew god was going to give me the cup. I was sure — it is a big joy for us,” Messi added.
