Luke Littler recreates iconic Lionel Messi picture after making history at World Darts Championships

Luke Littler has followed in Lionel Messi’s footsteps with his latest Instagram post. The teenager has recreated one of Messi’s most iconic pictures after winning the PDC World Darts Championship. instagram / @lukethenukelittlerLittler has recreated Messi’s iconic picture[/caption] instagram / @leomessiMessi posed with the World Cup after Argentina’s triumph in 2022[/caption] Littler made history on Friday night by becoming the youngest ever world champion. The Nuke beat Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace to achieve the historic feat. In doing so, he scooped £500,000 in prize money to rise to second in the PDC Order of Merit. After lifting the trophy at Ally Pally, Littler has now returned home to continue his celebrations. The 17-year-old also showed off the Sid Waddell trophy to his 1.7million Instagram followers. Littler shared a pair of snaps with the silverware at home, including one featuring his pet dog Nala. He also laid in bed with the trophy, recreating an iconic Messi snap after winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. Alongside the snaps, Littler wrote: “Home sweet home. Think Nala loves it too.” It comes after Messi shared a string of similar photos with his fans following his country’s triumph in Qatar. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner won player of the tournament and scored twice in the final as he guided Argentina to their third World Cup. instagram / @lukethenukelittlerLittler’s dog Nala also posed with the trophy[/caption] The Nuke beat Van Gerwen in Friday’s final at Ally PallyAFP As for Littler, he is now hoping to continue his celebrations with the trophy. A boyhood Manchester United supporter, the Nuke plans to parade the silverware at Old Trafford. Speaking after the final, he explained: “If they allow me to then I’m sure I’ll go to Old Trafford. “Yeah [it’s an honour] I’m glad I beat Stephen [Bunting] yesterday as I’m pretty sure he was going to take it to Anfield on the weekend.” The Red Devils fan has also been congratulated by several of his footballing heroes. Both David Beckham and Wayne Rooney have sent messages to Littler since his historic triumph.

Jan 5, 2025 - 07:26
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Luke Littler recreates iconic Lionel Messi picture after making history at World Darts Championships

Luke Littler has followed in Lionel Messi’s footsteps with his latest Instagram post.

The teenager has recreated one of Messi’s most iconic pictures after winning the PDC World Darts Championship.

instagram / @lukethenukelittler
Littler has recreated Messi’s iconic picture[/caption]
instagram / @leomessi
Messi posed with the World Cup after Argentina’s triumph in 2022[/caption]

Littler made history on Friday night by becoming the youngest ever world champion.

The Nuke beat Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace to achieve the historic feat.

In doing so, he scooped £500,000 in prize money to rise to second in the PDC Order of Merit.

After lifting the trophy at Ally Pally, Littler has now returned home to continue his celebrations.

The 17-year-old also showed off the Sid Waddell trophy to his 1.7million Instagram followers.

Littler shared a pair of snaps with the silverware at home, including one featuring his pet dog Nala.

He also laid in bed with the trophy, recreating an iconic Messi snap after winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.

Alongside the snaps, Littler wrote: “Home sweet home. Think Nala loves it too.”

It comes after Messi shared a string of similar photos with his fans following his country’s triumph in Qatar.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner won player of the tournament and scored twice in the final as he guided Argentina to their third World Cup.

instagram / @lukethenukelittler
Littler’s dog Nala also posed with the trophy[/caption]
England's Luke Littler celebrates his win over Netherlands' Michael van Gerwen in the PDC World Darts Championship final, at Alexandra Palace in London on January 3, 2025. Luke Littler became darts' youngest world champion at just 17 after thrashing three-time winner Michael van Gerwen in front of an adoring home crowd at London's Alexandra Palace on Friday. This time there was no stopping
The Nuke beat Van Gerwen in Friday’s final at Ally Pally
AFP

As for Littler, he is now hoping to continue his celebrations with the trophy.

A boyhood Manchester United supporter, the Nuke plans to parade the silverware at Old Trafford.

Speaking after the final, he explained: “If they allow me to then I’m sure I’ll go to Old Trafford.

“Yeah [it’s an honour] I’m glad I beat Stephen [Bunting] yesterday as I’m pretty sure he was going to take it to Anfield on the weekend.”

The Red Devils fan has also been congratulated by several of his footballing heroes.

Both David Beckham and Wayne Rooney have sent messages to Littler since his historic triumph.