Leeds United: Junior Firpo congratulates Lionel Messi World Cup triumph with Instagram tribute

Lionel Messi got his hands on the World Cup with Argentina on Sunday, and Leeds United defender Junior Firpo took to Instagram to hail his former teammate.

The World Cup is over. Argentina sunk France in a dramatic penalty shootout as Messi finally lifted the prestigious trophy in what was his final ever World Cup match.

The former Barcelona star was flooded with praise and tributes, with Leeds United defender Firpo joining in via Instagram.

The 26-year-old shared a photo of him and Messi during their time at Barcelona together, accompanied by the caption: "The best that my eyes have seen, football owed you. Congratulations Leo."

Firpo spent two years at the La Liga club between 2019-2021 before joining Leeds for £12.8million. [Sky Sports]

Incredible tournament

Sunday's World Cup final summed up what was a chaotic, dramatic and entertaining month of football.

From a Leeds United perspective, all three Whites stars that headed out to Qatar came back to Yorkshire fit and healthy, which is all Jesse Marsch would have asked for.

Tyler Adams was the standout Leeds performer in the tournament, with the USA captain leading his nation to the round of 16 in spectacular style.

Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson played more part-time roles for their nations but can still be proud of their efforts as they turn their attention back to Thorp Arch and the Premier League.

After a strong end to the first half of the season, Leeds now face an incredibly difficult return against the reigning Premier League champions on 28 December.

Past that, Leeds and Marsch can focus on a tough run of fixtures against Newcastle United, West Ham and Aston Villa with the likes of Firpo no doubt desperate to get a chance.

In other Leeds United news, George Hall has missed a match as speculation of a move to Leeds intensifies