Lionel Messi’s journey to winning the 2022 World Cup has all the makings of an epic blockbuster. 

The Argentine magician, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time by many, finally got his hands on the Jules Rimet trophy in Qatar after years of heartbreak. 

Indeed, despite being a seven-time Ballon d’Or recipient, four-time Champions League winner and a 10-time La Liga champion – the World Cup was something that had always eluded the forward. 

And so it seemed again after Argentina lost their first game of the 2022 World Cup against Saudi Arabia – one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history. 

Yet, despite many counting him out and assuming he was no longer the Messi of old, the 35-year-old silenced his doubters and at last emulated the great Diego Maradona. 

It was a fairytale story for both Messi and Argentina and it’s no doubt a World Cup that many will look back on as one of the greatest ever. 

And while there will inevitably be books, films and documentaries about Messi’s remarkable rollercoaster in Qatar, one fan has pieced together the most important bits into an epic 13-minute montage. 

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina

celebrates scoring after he made it 3-2 in extra time during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Messi’s World Cup highlights montage goes viral 

This highlights video really does have it all, so it’s no surprise that it’s gone viral on social media. 

As of now, the montage has been viewed more than a million times and has been shared by over 8,000 people. 

The 13-minute clip perfectly encapsulates the highs and lows of Messi’s World Cup. The moments of ecstasy, coupled with the feelings of agony. 

It features footage from pundits who doubted the Argentine, not least Roy Keane and Gary Neville, who claimed players no longer ‘feared’ playing the former Barcelona icon. 

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winners' Trophy while holding the adidas Golden Boot award after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

There are also glimpses into the team’s changing room, motivational team talks from Messi himself and reactions from rapturous Argentina fans. 

And of course, it contains all of the dazzling moments that Messi produced on the pitch, on his way to winning the Golden Ball. 

From his sumptuous assist for Julian Alvarez to his unstoppable run against Croatia, it’s impossible not to get goosebumps when watching the video. 

That’s enough description from us though. Check it out for yourselves below: 

VIDEO: Epic montage of Lionel Messi's 2022 World Cup journey

How Messi finally got his hands on the World Cup 

It seemed at one stage as though the Paris Saint-Germain star would never get his hands on an international trophy. 

As Argentina’s captain, he inspired them to three finals at the 2014 World Cup as well as the Copa America in 2015 and 2016. 

Yet Argentina lost on all three occasions and Messi subsequently announced his international retirement. 

But with the forward still at the peak of his powers, it was not long until he returned to the national side – determined to finish what he started. 

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - DECEMBER 20: Lionel Messi holds the FIFA World Cup during the arrival of the Argentina men's national football team after winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on December 20, 2022 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Three years later, having endured an underwhelming 2018 World Cup and a third-place finish in the 2019 Copa America, Messi finally won his first international silverware. 

Argentina, led by Messi himself, beat Brazil 1-0 in their own backyard to win the 2021 Copa America at long last. 

And that proved to be just the start as Argentina then went on to claim the biggest trophy of all last December. 

It would be no exaggeration to say that Messi has now completed football. 

His trophy cabinet is complete, his legacy is interminable. The only question now is has he got room for more?