Crying woman who Lionel Messi emotionally hugged after World Cup final revealed to be much-loved Argentina cook

LIONEL MESSI was seen embracing a crying woman in emotional scenes after Argentina’s World Cup triumph.

The mystery hugger has been revealed as much-loved Argentina chef, Antonia Farias, according to Argentinian reports.

beIN SportsLionel Messi was pictured hugging a crying woman after the World Cup final[/caption]

The woman has been revealed as Antonia Farias, a chef for the national teambeIN Sports

https://twitter.com/ArgentinaAntonia is a much-loved member of the team[/caption]

https://twitter.com/ArgentinaShe is reported to travel with the squad whenever they are in action[/caption]

Argentinian newspaper Clarin say Messi, 35, was celebrating with Antonia, a long-time employee of the national team.

Footage emerged of him tightly hugging the emotional Antonia following Sunday’s penalty shootout win over France.

She sported an Argentina shirt as she ran up to the Argentina captain on the pitch and wrapped her arms around his back.

Messi’s face lit up as he recognised who it was in front of him.

The 42-year-old is said to have worked as a chef with Argentina for the last decade.

She travels with the team on all of their trips abroad to cook for the players.

Antonia was at the Copa America triumph last year, the Finalissima win over Italy at Wembley in the summer, and then in Qatar for the World Cup victory.

And back at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Antonia was presented with a cake on her birthday at the same time as Messi.

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Aside from her culinary skills, Antonia is reported to be well-loved by the team for her positive personality.

So it was no surprise to see Messi look so pleased when Antonia wrapped him up in a hug – unlike his encounter with Salt Bae.

The celebrity chef somehow made his way onto the pitch after the final at Lusail Stadium to pester Messi for a selfie.

Messi was also joined by wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their sons Thiago, ten, Mateo, seven and Ciro, four, on the pitch.

The family celebrated together and took it in turns to kiss the World Cup trophy.

GettyMessi was joined on the pitch by wife Antonela Roccuzzo[/caption]

GettyAntonela gazed lovingly at the trophy[/caption]