A double in the final and a place at the top of football history! Lionel Messi is coming off a high-flying 2022 World Cup that was rewarded with a title in the final. The 35-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder wins the title he has been missing so much as his last chance to do so comes before him. And it was hard.
Scorer against Saudi Arabia in an initial defeat (2-1), he scored against Mexico (2-0) to put his team in battle order before a victory against Poland (2-0). Scorer against Australia (2-1) then chained goal and assist against the Netherlands (2-2/4-3 at Tab) and Croatia (3-0), he acted as a good captain to lead his teammates to the final.
Lionel Messi like in 2014
Opening the way from the penalty spot and then snatching a second goal during extra time, he certainly did not prevent his team from going to penalties (3-3) but he was sensational. Scoring his team’s first goal in a session won 4-2, he went for this World Cup. A high-flying course, rewarded with another trophy.
Best passer tied with Antoine Griezmann, Harry Kane and Bruno Fernandes (3 offerings), Lionel Messi also finished second top scorer behind Kylian Mbappé (7 goals against 8). The native of Rosario was crowned best player of the competition. A trophy he had already won in 2014 during a World Cup lost in the final against Germany (1-0 after extra time).