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LONDON. — Lionel Messi spoke for the great and the good of world soccer, not to mention millions of grassroots fans, when he acclaimed Leicester City’s extraordinary English Premier League triumph by tweeting: “The reason why we all love football. Congratulations.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino echoed the most common and apt description of the “beautiful story” as a “fairytale” after the 5 000-1 outsiders, who performed a miraculous escape from relegation last season, were crowned champions on Monday.

Leicester’s first top-flight title was secured after their only remaining challengers Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 2-2 draw at Chelsea — Reuters.