MNA� In a message forwarded to sports minister, Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei commanded the performance of Iran�s national football team at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.

The Leader�s office contacted Iranian sports minister Masoud Soltanifar, who was in Russia accompanying the Iranian national football team, and told him to forward Ayatollah Khamenei�s message to Team Melli, �you returned home victorious and proud. Well done. I wish for your further success.�

The Leader�s message came as Iran bowed out of the World Cup 2018 after tying last night�s game against Portugal. Although eliminated from the World Cup, the Iranian team put on a great performance against the tough teams of Spain and Portugal.

This was Leader�s second message to Team Melli. He had also lauded the team�s performance in playing against the powerhouse Spain on June 21, which ended with a 1-0 result in Spain�s favor.