Argentina captain Lionel Messi completed his footballing legacy on the FIFA World Cup stage in 2022 following years of standout performances in the tournament. He has relished all the highs and lows in the quadrennial event, including the stunning goals and game-changing assists.
5 best Lionel Messi moments in FIFA World Cup
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#5 First half brace against Nigeria (2014)
After failing to net a goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi relished a great campaign in Brazil in 2014. He almost singlehandedly made Argentina the Group F topper after scoring four times in three group-stage games.
His best display in the 2014 edition came in a 3-2 Group F win against Nigeria. He pounced on a rebound in the third minute of the game, scoring Argentina’s opener. The Inter Miami attacker made the news headlines in the injury time of the first half after scoring a direct free-kick, ensuring three wins out of three Group F outings for his side.
#4 Opening goal against Mexico (2022)
After Argentina’s shock 2-1 Group C defeat to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, all eyes were on Messi. With La Albiceleste on the brink of elimination, Messi delivered in the second game of the group-stage in 2022.
After a goalless opening hour, the 38-year-old forward fired a brilliant low shot from outside of the box in the 64th minute of the match against Mexico. After his opener changed the momentum of Argentina’s campaign, Enzo Fernandez netted another to register a statement 2-0 victory.
#3 Assist to Julian Alvarez against Croatia (2022)
After battling Australia and Netherlands in the knockouts, Lionel Messi’s side faced Croatia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half.
In the second half, the Barcelona legend produced an unforgettable moment. After receiving the ball on the right wing, he confounded Josko Gvardiol with his left foot near the byline. He then went on to provide a perfect cutback for Julian Alvarez to score in the confident 3-0 triumph.
#2 Ear-cupping celebration against Netherlands (2022)
Argentina’s decade-long rivalry with Netherlands came to a head in 2022, with the former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star going viral following a taunting celebration. Lionel Messi, who provided an inch-perfect assist to Nahuel Molina in the first half, guided his team to a 4-3 win on penalties.
After converting a penalty in the 73rd minute, the Argentina attacker celebrated by facing the Dutch technical area, cupping his hands to his ears. His celebration was targeted directly at Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal, whose pre-match comments against Argentina had led to the moment.
#1 Lifting World Cup trophy after brace in final against France (2022)
Lionel Messi cemented himself as one of the greatest players of all time after lifting his first FIFA World Cup trophy in 2022. He scored twice in the final against France and netted his penalty in the shootout, ending in a 4-2 win, before lifting his team’s third-ever title on the biggest stage.
The Inter Miami attacker won his second FIFA World Cup Golden Ball award in the post-game event on the back of seven goals and three assists in seven games. He is now set to appear in his sixth World Cup this month.
Edited by Debkalpa Banerjee