KEY POINTS

  • Argentina defeated France in the final on penalties
  • It was Argentina's third World Cup title
  • Aguero won the Copa America with Argentina in 2021

Former Argentina striker Sergio Aguero was also given a chance to lift the World Cup trophy on Sunday.

Aguero netted 41 goals and 19 assists in 101 appearances for Argentina before he was forced to retire due to a heart condition last year. He was a part of the Argentinian side that lost the World Cup final in 2014. He did win the Copa America with Argentina last year when La Albiceleste defeated Brazil 1-0 in the final. However, he remained an unused substitute in the match.

Argentina defeated defending champions France on penalties to clinch the 2022 World Cup on Sunday. The Men in White and Blue won their third title, the first one since 1986, after an extraordinary final, which was 2-2 after 90 minutes and 3-3 after extra time.

Aguero ran to the pitch to celebrate the World Cup triumph with his former Argentina teammates. He took the celebrations to the next level by bringing a giant drum onto the pitch. After the award ceremony, Aguero hoisted Argentina skipper and his good friend Messi on his shoulders as fans chanted their captain's name.

Even though the Copa America 2021 final turned out to be Aguero's last appearance for Argentina, the former Manchester City striker was with the side throughout their World Cup campaign in Qatar. From attending their training sessions to cheering for Lionel Messi and team from the stands, Aguero has been Argentina's No. 1 supporter.

Interestingly, from their youth days to the Copa America campaign in 2021, Messi and Aguero always shared hotel rooms while on Argentina duty. That changed in Qatar World Cup as Aguero was not officially a part of the touring squad.

aguero messi
Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi (right) during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil Getty Images/ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP

Augero, who played in three World Cups for Argentina, was in an Argentine kit on Sunday.

"Aguero has gone for the full John Terry there, hasn't he? I did it first," former Chelsea star John Terry said, referring to his 2012 celebration.

Terry was the center of attraction back in 2012 when he celebrated Chelsea's Champions League title win in a full kit despite being suspended for the match.

The Chelsea legend also shared a picture of Aguero celebrating on the pitch in Qatar but noted that he failed to complete the look as he was wearing trainers and no socks.

"If you're going to do it, at least go for it and put the shin pads and boots on," the former England defender tweeted.

Lionel Messi finished the World Cup as a world champion with seven goals, three assists and the Golden Ball award.