The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar journey has been an exciting one for both the footballers and fans. From group stage to the last minute of finals, the international tournament was filled with drama and intense moments.
After an exhilarating final against the defending champions, France, which led to the very end of Tiebreaker penalty, Argentina finally got a hold of the FIFA World Cup since 1986. Defeating UEFA’s second strongest team over a 7-5 match, the La Albiceleste finally regained their international championship status after 36 long years.
However, this win put the most impact on the team’s face Lionel Messi. The Argentine football legend is known for his massive collection of achievements, both in club and international career. In fact, the living legend has nothing left to achieve at the club level. He is the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner. Lionel Messi’s list of achievement also includes –
- 10 La Liga titles
- 4 UEFA Champions League titles
- 3 FIFA Club World Cup trophies
- 7 Copa del Rey titels
- 3 UEFA Super Cup titles
- 6 European Golden Shoe awards etc.
The only empty place of his career unlike his predecessor, Maradona was a FIFA World Cup title. Which led a lot of football viewers question his “greatest of all time” title, even after acquiring such a set of achievement that most footballers can only dream of.
After exiting from the World Cup in 2018 from losing against France over 4-3, Messi announced retirement from Argentina National team. However, he quickly rejoins the team before the Copa World cup that year. As destiny dictates, Argentina won their First Copa America since 1993 in 2021.
Fast forward to 2022 FIFA World Cup, Argentina loses their first group stage match against KSA. However, the team quickly pulls itself back with winning the following two group games. In the team’s journey throughout the entire tournament, Messi not only scored 7 goals but also helped in 3 assists. Specially during the finals, his second goal was essential to draw their score against France.
With winning the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the golden ball award, defeating Kylian Mbappe and Luka Modric, Lionel Messi’s list of achievement is finally complete. The Argentine star took himself to a new height that only the most hardcore footballers dream to achieve. Furthermore, his long-term GOAT debate with career rival Cristiano Ronaldo have come to an end too.
Now it is only left to see, if the internationally beloved Argentine will decide to keep playing for his team or retire from international football at the peak of his career. To find more news related to the ongoing football events, keep in touch with our website frequently.
