But two fans have now explained to Argentinian outlet Clarin that the trophy in Messi's grasp for the on-pitch photos was in fact fake.
As is customary, FIFA removed the original trophy some moments after president Gianni Infantino had handed it to Messi for the podium photographs.
Players appeared not to realise and the work of two fans soon duped many of them, with their replica trophy making its way to the pitch for selfies and more pictures.
It took the eagle eyes of Angel Di Maria to notice on the bottom of the trophy a difference between the original and the replica, and it was he who pointed out to Messi, who managed to see the funny side.
Messi wasn't the only one duped by the replica and it will be immortalised for taking centre stage in the most liked Instagram photo ever.
