"What leadership looks like" - Andy Murray hails Lionel Messi for his gesture after Argentina's FIFA World Cup QF win

Andy Murray recently lauded soccer legend Lionel Messi for his display of leadership in Argentina's monumental quarter-final victory over the Netherlands at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Murray suggested that Messi's gesture towards Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after the match was an ideal example of leadership.

Martinez proved to be the hero for Argentina as he saved a couple of crucial penalty kicks in the shootout to help his team beat the Dutch on Friday (December 9). Soon after a successful final spot kick from Lautaro Martinez sealed the win for Argentina, a happy Emiliano Martinez fell to the ground in relief. While the rest of the team celebrated aggressively in the face of the Netherlands players and rushed to the goalscorer, Messi ran over to celebrate with the goalkeeper.

Andy Murray was impressed by Messi's gesture and applauded the Argentine captain.

"That’s what leadership looks like," Murray wrote in response to a post on Instagram (by 'sportbible') that highlighted Messi's gesture.

The two-time Wimbledon winner is a big admirer of Lionel Messi, and has been closely following his matches at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Murray and controversial British journalist Piers Morgan have often engaged in social media banter during Argentina's matches over the last few weeks.

After Messi scored a special goal in Argentina's win against Mexico, Murray taunted Morgan. Morgan often taunts Messi and is a bigger fan of the Argentine's great Portuguese rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Oops. @piersmorgan." Murray wrote on Twitter.

The tweet also drew a reaction from Martina Navratilova, who added salt to the wound.

"Did Piers write off Messi? Big mistake:)" Navratilova wrote, reaching to Murray's tweet.

Later, Murray and Morgan took friendly digs at each other as Messi missed a penalty in Argentina's win over Poland, and also when Cristiano Ronaldo controversially claimed a goal in Portugal's match against Uruguay.

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"Messi is the man" - Andy Murray after the soccer legend's stunning goal at FIFA World Cup

Lionel Messi celebrates during the Netherlands v Argentina Quarter-Final at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Andy Murray had also expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi when the Barcelona legend and current PSG star displayed lovely skills to score the all-important opening goal in Argentina's Round of 16 tie against Australia last week. Messi dribbled past the Aussie defense and slotted the ball into the bottom corner with his second touch inside the box.

Murray reacted to the goal and to Messi's impressive performance throughout the match, tweeting:

"Messi is the man."

Apart from Andy Murray, even Victoria Azarenka is a huge fan of Lionel Messi. She has also been actively expressing her support for the 35-year-old soccer legend and Argentina at the FIFA World Cup.