Conquered: Lionel Messi finally won the World Cup
(Picture: Getty Images)Lionel Messi made history for himself and Argentina by lifting the country’s third World Cup at Lusail Stadium.
The iconic PSG forward knew this was his last chance to become lift the World Cup trophy that his idol Diego Maradona last lifted in 1986.
The 35-year-old helped add a third star to the famous white and blue jersey by scoring a penalty and sending goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way in the process.
Angel Di Maria also wrote himself into history scoring after a stunning counterattack. Kylian Mbappe scored two goals in 97 seconds before Messi would kill the game off in extra time, following in a Lautaro Martinez shot to tap in from close range.
Nizaar Kinsella was inside the Lusail Stadium witnessing Messi’s greatest night unfold.
Emiliano Martinez - 6
The Aston Villa goalkeeper didn’t face a single France shot until the 67th minute and none on target until Mbappe’s two goals in 97 seconds midway through the second half.
Nahuel Molina - 7
Molina’s overlapping runs have become a regular fixture of this tournament and he rampaged up and down the right-hand side all match.
Cristian Romero - 8
Bullied Olivier Giroud in a one-sided individual battle that saw the Tottenham defender aggressively press the former Chelsea and Arsenal striker whenever he had the ball.
Nicolas Otamendi - 5
The leader of Argentina’s defence had justified his selection all tournament until a moment of madness in the box. He was too tight to Randal Kolo Muani leaving you wondering why didn’t Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez play instead?
Nicolas Tagliafico - 6
Tagliafico dominated Dembele and then found it harder facing Kolo Muani but still helped in both attack and defence.
Rodrigo De Paul - 7
His pressing, physicality and work rate were an asset to his team who all played for Messi. He created a chance for Di Maria and had efforts of his own blocked. Tired and faded as the game wore on, coming off in extra time.
Enzo Fernandez - 7
Excelled at the base of the midfield, starting attacks in a dominant display.
Alexis Mac Allister - 8
His excellent midfield run and cross created Di Maria’s second goal and it was a well-balanced midfield display for the Brighton man.
Angel Di Maria - 9
Surprise selection on the left wing, the experienced Juventus winger justified his selection with a complete display, winning a penalty early on.
The 34-year-old then busts a gut to make Mac Allister’s cross to complete a beautiful counterattack that involved Messi.
Julian Alvarez - 7
The 22-year-old Manchester City striker was excellent in his pressing and link up play and played a role in the counterattack for Di Maria’s goal.
Lionel Messi - 10
Lionel Messi ensured that his name is written into international football folklore with a record-breaking performance that will be remembered for some time.
After taking the all-time appearance record from Lothar Matthaus in his 26th appearance in the competition, he sent goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way from the penalty spot. His sixth goal in the tournament saw him gain more goal involvements in a World Cup than any player since 1966 and he is also the first player to score in every knockout round of the competition.
This was a night when a legendary player completed his legacy by scoring in extra time after 108 gruelling minutes. He did it at 35 years old with the pressure of knowing it would be his last match in the competition.
Substitutes
Marcos Acuna - 5
The left wing back came on for Di Maria, who can’t have been fully fit, in the 65th minute. Booked for a terrible tackle on Coman.
Gonzalo Montiel - 6
The right back produced a spectacular karate-style volley in extra time but saw his shot blocked. Unlucky to have given away the late penalty for handballing it while trying to block Mbappe’s shot.
Leandro Parades - 6
He helped steady the ship when Argentina’s midfield began to tire and fall apart. Risked being sent off for a wild tackle on Camavinga.
Lautaro Martinez - 9
The Inter striker has been poor all tournament but answered his critics in stunning fashion by setting up Messi’s match-winning moment.
