Lionel Messi not only realised his dream of finally lifting the World Cup at 35 with Argentina's 4-2 penalties win against France on Sunday night, he also lifted his second Golden Ball award for player of the tournament.
In 2014 in Brazil Messi won the Golden Ball even though he ended on the losing side — 1-0 against Germany — in the final.
⭐️ MESSI ⭐️
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
Our @adidas Golden Ball Award winner!#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
By inspiring Argentina to the World Cup trophy Messi clinched the one major piece of silverware that has eluded him and joined Diego Maradona in Argentinian football folklore, who carried the country to the 1986 title.
He joined Pele and Maradona in the pantheon of the world's greatest players.
The @adidas Golden Boot Award goes to Kylian Mbappe! 👏#Qatar2022's top goalscorer 📊
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
In a final that was being called, seconds after its conclusion, perhaps the greatest ever, France forward Kylian Mbappé became the second player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup last match as he dragged his team back from the brink of defeat in normal time and extra time.
There when it matters most 🇦🇷
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
Emi Martinez takes the @adidas Golden Glove Award! 🧤#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
The game ended 2-2 after normal time and 3-3 after extra time.
England's Geoff Hurst was the first player to score three goals in a final when they beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time in 1966.
What #FIFAWorldCup he's had! 🤩
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
Enzo Fernandez wins our Young Player Award ✨
In scoring his hat-trick Mbappé took himself to the Golden Boot award for top scorer with eight goals. Messi's two goals in the final saw him end second on seven.
Argentina's Emiliano Martinez won the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper. The new champions' Enzo Martinez won best player.
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