- Pogba paid an emotional tribute to Messi after France dumped Argentina out of the 2018 World Cup
- The midfielder asserted after the tie that Messi was his football idol
- Les Bleus demolished Argentina 4-3 as they booked a spot in the quarter-finals
Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba's move to hug and commiserate with Lionel Messi after France's emphatic win over Argentina has left football fans around the world awed.
The former Juventus star approached Messi and wrapped his arms around the striker, as the Barcelona star readily acknowledged the classy gesture.
Fans took to social media moments after the match to applaud Pogba over the gesticulation, even as Messi cut a dejected figure after the devastating loss.
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Speaking after the tie, Pogba sensationally asserted that Messi has always been his idol, adding that he often watches and tries to learn from the Barcelona forward.
‘'When you play against the best footballer of the last ten years, I watch and learn from him," Metro UK quoted Pogba.
‘'Messi makes me love football. He will always be my idol," he added.
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France hammered Argentina 4-3 on Saturday, June 30, in the round of 16 of the ongoing 2018 World Cup to book a spot in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Pogba played a pivotal role in France's dominance over the South American nation, even as French star , Kylian Mbappe stole the show from Messi.
The ruthless PSG ace scored twice to shine brightest among a lethal France attack to become the first teen since Brazil's Pele to net a brace in a World Cup knock-out match.
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Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Mercado and Angel Di Maria all scored equally spectacular goals for Argentina, but the goals were not enough to fire the side to the next stage of the competition.
Following the heartbreaking exit from the World Cup, Pogba took some time to pay an emotional tribute to Messi after their match.
Messi was looking to become a world champion with his country during this year's World Cup after winning at least all important tournaments with his club.
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Having lost that chance this year, it remains unclear if the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will appear again in a World Cup.
NAIJ.com earlier reported that Paul Pogba scored France winning goal against Australia in their opening group game last month.
Atletico Madrid superstar Antoine Griezmann opened scoring for Les Blues in the 58th minute after winning a penalty for his side a moment before his goal.
Before the Manchester United star sealed their victory later in the game progressed to the knockout stage as Group C leaders with seven points from three matches
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Source: Naija.ng
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