WC champions
Lionel Messi astonished the world on Sunday night when his Argentina side came out victorious in one of the hardest-fought World Cup finals in living memory. After going 2-0 up against France early on, the South American side conceded too late goals to take the game to extra time. And, despite Messi scoring what looked like a late winner, Kylian Mbappé & Co. once again came from behind to take the match to penalties, where Argentina ultimately won the match.
As well as the exceptional drama of the encounter, it was also a game that showcased two of the world’s most celebrated players at their very best, with Messi scoring two goals in the final and Mbappé bagging a hat-trick over the course of 120 minutes of gruelling football. However, it was Messi that ultimately proved to be at his very best in what will undoubtedly be remembered as his best World Cup. And it would seem as though the little magician saved his best form for his last World Cup.
The World Cup’s all-time top goalscorers
Has the 2022 World Cup been Messi’s best?
Messi made his World Cup debut in the 2006 tournament, where he bagged two goals and assists in three appearances. Which was certainly not a bad return for little more than 122 minutes of game time. However, both goal contributions came in a 6-0 thumping of Serbia and Montenegro. The player’s next World Cup wasn’t quite as impressive. Despite Argentina reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament in South Africa, Messi only managed one assist and no goals in five appearances and, perhaps crucially, failed to help his side overcome a bitter 4-0 defeat to Germany.
Not only has Lionel Messi just won the World Cup
But he’s also moved top of the all-time World Cup goal contributions list pic.twitter.com/JYQ5iLO5bj
— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) December 19, 2022
Jogi Löw’s Germany would be another thorn in Messi’s side at the 2014 World Cup, where the then Barcelona star looked far brighter with five goals and assists in his first four games of the tournament. However, despite helping his side reach the final in Brazil, Messi was once again unable to break down Germany’s defence and was forced to settle for second place. With three goals and assists in the 2018 World Cup, Messi actually clocked his best average at a World Cup finals since becoming an established starter for his nation. With 0.75 goals and assists per 90 at the tournament, the forward more than tripled his return at the 2010 World Cup, but that wasn’t enough to help his side from getting knocked out of the Round of 16 by eventual winners France.
Ronaldo, Modric & Co. – The oldest players at the 2022 World Cup
However, this time around in Qatar, it seems as though Messi has finally been able to couple good personal form with an Argentina side that knows how to win games and progress through the tournament. The player’s seven goals and three assists in seven games is not only his best return at a World Cup but almost more than his return at the last four competitions combined. Which undoubtedly confirms that his final World Cup was also his best.
Homepage