Sunday 18 Dec, 2022. The world of sports witnessed "The greatest World Cup final " ever played. With the action-packed stadiums, roller coaster of emotions, and last minute comebacks. The fans have truly been blessed to witness this match.
Argentina's victory in the World Cup 2022 marks their 3 title, the last one being 36 years ago lead by the legend Diego Maradona. Messi has proven to be the torch bearer for Argentina in succeeding their run to the world cup.
The Matchup
Now the main question occurs to every fan's mind, "Is Messi the GOAT"? The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has been going on since they entered the league of professional football/soccer. The World Cup was chosen as the deciding factor in the GOAT debate. As their final dance, the 2022 edition in Qatar was promoted. But as Portugal unexpectedly lost in the quarterfinals, Messi gave Argentina their first trophy in 36 years, ending their lengthy wait. Fans hoped for a proper final to settle the GOAT controversy as Portugal and Argentina were among the favourites in the competition and the 2022 FIFA World Cup would be their final appearance. And up until Portugal's shock loss to Morocco in the quarterfinal, the ideal final appeared to be set.
Under Messi's leadership, Argentina, on the other hand, advanced to a second World Cup final. Argentina and France competed to a 3-3 stalemate till the conclusion of extra time before La Albiceleste won 4-2 on penalties. The captain scored twice during that period. So, is the GOAT controversy over? "The GOAT debate is settled. The ultimate prize is now part of the collection. The legacy is complete," the tweet read as Messi was handed the Player of the
Match award in the final.
Best Performance of the World Cup
The fact that not only was Messi became World Champion but he was the single best player in the entire World Cup and was the main factor behind Argentina winning the world cup. In the group stages he was the man who made sure that Argentina surpassed their group. In total he won 4 Player of the Matches while scoring once in the Round of 16, another in the Quarter Final, another time in the Semi finals, and in the finals scoring 2 goals. Lionel Messi is the first player in history to score in the group stages and then in all the 4 knockout Matches. He scored 7 goals and had 4 assists which means 11 Goal contributions.
A Perfect Career
Lionel Messi finally won the biggest prize in football, the trophy he had dreamed of winning his entire life, in what will likely be his final World Cup match after participating in five FIFA World Cups and a tournament record 26 times. It was incredible to witness the joy that everyone felt for him. He won the World Championship, and football provided him with his defining moment.
The Undisputed GOAT
After his World Cup victory, one thing was made quite clear: Lionel Messi will always be regarded as the Greatest of All Time, ending the discussion between Ronaldo and Messi over who is the Greatest of All Time. There wasn't much doubt, but the victory last night solidified it in the minds of all impartial football fans around the world.
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