At last, Lionel Messi has settled one of the most debated topics of all time and the Argentine captain did it in great style by winning the World Cup to emerge the greatest player of his generation.
The debate of who greatest player is between him, Cristiano Ronaldo – his closest rival for close to two decades and other talented players of their generation has been on for so long but the seven-time Ballon D’or winner has finally settled the debate by winning the FIFA World Cup which has eluded him four times.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with victory over Les Bleus as the Albiceleste won the Mundial for the third time in what will go down as one of the most dramatic matches of all time.
Argentina defeated Les Bleus 4-2 on penalties at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on December 18.
The Argentines held sway in the first half with Messi scoring a penalty kick and and legendary winger Angel Di Maria scoring in the 36th minute to take a 3-2 lead at halftime.
Kylian Mbappe pulled a goal back for France in the 80th minute after Nicholas Otamendi fouled Randal Kolo Muani in the box and Mbappe scored again one minute later taking the game to extra time.
Messi put his team ahead once again in the 108th minute and Mbappe equalised 10 minutes later from the penalty spot to complete his hattrick.
Argentina won the ensuing penalty kicks 4-2.
With the result Messi has become the first player to score in the round of 16, quarter final, semi final and final at a World Cup, he has also become the first player to win the FIFA World Cup golden ball twice.
Mbappe won the golden boot with eight goals, Albiceleste goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the golden gloves award while Enzo Fernandes won the best young player award.
Messi scored seven goals and three assists in the tournament.
Argentina have won the FIFA World Cup thrice; 1978, 1986 and 2022.
