'Every December I get this memory!' - Lionel Messi poses with World Cup trophy & mate pot as Argentina captain celebrates second anniversary of Qatar 2022 triumph

December 18, 2022, marks the day Messi got his hands on the World Cup for the first time in his career, so it's a date he'll never forget. To celebrate the second anniversary of Argentina's success in Qatar, the 37-year-old posed with the trophy as he enjoyed a pot of mate tea.

"Love December and Christmas dates," Messi wrote on Instagram. "Two years ago could have been a bitter last month of the year, but it ended up being the sweetest of my sporting career. And now, every December I get this memory... Happy 2nd Anniversary to everyone!

Messi was awarded the Golden Ball after inspiring the Albiceleste to their third World Cup win, and first since 1986. He scored seven goals in the tournament, including two in the final, before scoring his penalty in the shootout over France. The World Cup was the only trophy missing from Messi's stunning collection, and it's now safe to say that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has completed football.

There is some optimism that Messi will try to help Argentina defend their trophy at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Lionel Scaloni's side have breezed through their qualification campaign and can secure a spot in the tournament in March.