Lionel Messi's 2022 World Cup: the trophy that completed the legend
For two decades, the one line missing from Lionel Messi’s astonishing CV was the World Cup. That changed on 18 December 2022 in Lusail, when the 35-year-old captained Argentina to a 3-3 (4-2 pens) win over France.
A long road to Qatar
Messi had played at five previous World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) and reached the final once before, losing to Germany in 2014. Across the 2022 tournament he scored 7 goals and was named player of the tournament, adding the Golden Ball to his career haul.
Leadership, not just goals
Beyond his five goals in open play and two penalties (including the opener in the final), Messi’s influence was about tempo and composure. He assisted Di María’s goal in the final and, at 35, covered more ground than in any previous finals.
The defining image
Messi lifting the trophy in his full kit, then later holding the cup aloft during the lap of honour, became the defining sporting image of 2022. It completed a career grand slam: World Cup, Copa América (2021), Olympic gold (2008), and every major club honour.
Where he stands
With the 2022 title, Messi joined an elite group of captains to lift the World Cup and silenced the long-running debate about whether his greatness needed the trophy. It did not — but having it removed any doubt.
Sources
- FIFA — Messi player profile & 2022 stats: https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022
- The Guardian — Messi’s road to the 2022 title: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/18/messi-world-cup-final-argentina-france
- Wikipedia — Lionel Messi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Messi
