It’s been 2 years and the image of Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup trophy for Argentina on this day in 2022 still feels like it happened just yesterday. The Argentinian superstar said he is still unsure about taking part in the event when it comes to the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2026, adding that his photo with the World Cup in Qatar could be Messi’s last photo at this stage Can. ,
On December 18, 2022, the story wrote itself when Messi’s Argentina faced the undefeated Kylian Mbappe-led France in football’s biggest clash at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
After the dust had settled, Argentina had clinched their third World Cup title as goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved a crucial spot kick and Messi finally exorcised the demons of the 2014 World Cup final as La Seleccion defeated France 4–2 on penalties. Was defeated.
🇦🇷🇫🇷best #FIFA World Cup last ever?#Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/QgIp1skOxJ
– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) 18 December 2024
In a match that has been called the greatest final in World Cup history, both Messi and Mbappé scored in extra time, the former in the 108th minute and the latter in the 118th, as France staged another comeback to tie the match at 3. Did it. -3 as the game went to penalties. France bounced back as Mbappé scored twice, once from a penalty and once from open play, as Les Blues held Argentina to a 2–2 draw at the end of regulation time. Messi and Angel Di Maria opened the scoring for Argentina, before a Mbappe masterclass in the second half.
Messi finished the FIFA World Cup with 13 goals and was also the first player to score in every round of the group stage and knockout stage in the same edition of the tournament.
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