Lionel Messi-led Argentina won the FIFA World Cup 2022 beating France in penalties after a 3-3 draw, at Lusail Stadium on Sunday. This is the first time La Albiceleste have won the World Cup since they were led to the glory by the legendary Diego Maradona.
The Qatar World Cup will go down in history as Lionel Messi’s best World Cup performance ever. The 35-year-old scored in all the knockout stage games, including the final where he scored a brace.
As he lifts his only career World Cup at Lusail, here’s a look at his FIFA World Cup career so far.
Also read: Emmanuel Macron consoles Kylian Mbappe as France lose FIFA World Cup 2022 final to Argentina: Watch
1. FIFA World Cup 2006, Germany
Lionel Messi made his World Cup debut in Germany at the 2006 edition of the FIFA World Cup. He scored a goal on his World Cup debut for La Albiceleste against Serbia but could not sustain the form for the rest of the tournament. Argentina were knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals.
2. FIFA World Cup 2010, South Africa
The 2010 World Cup in South Africa was perhaps the worst for the 35-year-old. After beating Mexico in the Round of 16, they moved to the quarter-final stage and were matched up against Germany. They lost the match 4-0 and were knocked out of the tournament.
3. FIFA World Cup 2014, Brazil
Playing on South American soil, the 2014 edition of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil was the best run for Lionel Messi before the Qatar edition. They reached the final in Brazil and came the closest to winning the trophy. However, an extra-time goal from German substitute Mario Goetze meant that Messi and co returned home with the silver medal.
4. FIFA World Cup 2018, Russia
The 2018 edition of the FIFA World Cup in Russia will be remembered for France’s performance and Kylian Mbappe’s fire. However, the champions faced the biggest hurdle in the Round of 16 against a Lionel Messi-led Argentina. The thrilling contest ended 4-3 in favor of the French, meaning that Messi and co were knocked out of the tournament.
Also read: Lionel Messi scores penalty, gives Argentina lead vs France in FIFA World Cup 2022 final: Watch
5. FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar
Lionel Messi’s last World Cup did not start well for La Albiceleste after they lost the first match to Saudi Arabia 2-1. The shock paid off and La Albiceleste went on to win the tournament in a thrilling World Cup final. Finally, at the age of 35, Lionel Messi conquered the world and was crowned the football World Cup winner.
