Wins World Cup for first time Messi scored two goals from five shots (four on goal, one penalty) and created three chances in Sunday's World Cup final victory over France after penalties. Impact Messi ends his last World Cup as a winner with his best performance in the competition, scoring seven times and logging three assists in seven matches en route to the Golden ball and a third star for Argentina. With the shadow of Diego Maradona in 1896 and the 2014 World Cup hanging over him, Messi looked more relaxed than ever thanks to a team built around him in style and personality. Though he's said this will be his last appearance at a World Cup, Messi isn't likely finish his career immediately if he continues to play as well as he has since getting settled in Paris. Getting the weight of this triumph off his shoulders, Messi will be even more difficult to stop alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar after their performances in Qatar.
DECEMBER 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE