Argentina captain Lionel Messi set some new records in the 2022 World Cup final against France, when the South American team won the championship.
Lionel Messi announced before the match that it would be his last match at the World Cup. This is his fifth World Cup, and his 26th World Cup match. With this match, he overtakes Germany’s Lothar Matthaus, who has played 25 games in the biggest tournament on the planet.
Messi also broke Paolo Maldini’s record for the most minutes played at a World Cup (2,216), with the M10 surpassing that mark in the 23rd minute.
Messi also became the first player in history to score in every knockout stage, something he was unable to do in previous World Cups.
He has 13 goals and 8 assists
In the 26 matches played, there were 19 times when Messi wore the captain’s armband, this is a record for the number of times as a captain in a World Cup. Behind him are Rafa Marquez with 17 matches with Mexico, and the legendary compatriot Diego Maradona with 16 matches.
Lionel Messi does not want to retire from the national team
The 35-year-old superstar played the final FIFA World Cup final. He ended the tournament with two goals in the final, leading Argentina to a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France.
Having already achieved the top prize in the world of football, he wants to continue to enjoy winning in the blue and white shirt.
“I’m not going to retire from the national team,” Lionel Messi said in an interview with Gastón Edul after the game. “I want to continue to play as a champion.”
Messi made his first appearance for La Albiceleste in 2005 and took to the World Cup stage for the first time in 2006. He won the 2008 Olympic gold medal and led the team to the 2014 World Cup final.
Messi won his first major title with Argentina in 2021 when they beat Brazil in the Copa America final.
Championship pressure has been on Argentina in Qatar after losing to Saudi Arabia in the group stage opening match. Messi and his teammates made a spectacular comeback, winning the remaining six matches and beating the defending champions France.
The Copa America will return in 2024, while the next World Cup will take place in the summer of 2026. It is possible that Messi will continue to serve La Albiceleste in the upcoming Copa.
Lionel Messi wears a gold-plated black robe when receiving the World Cup trophy
During the ceremony to receive the championship trophy, Lionel Messi was dressed in a traditional Arab robe. Many argue that this is not appropriate.
Messi has become the most noticeable figure in the coronation ceremony at Lusail Stadium. However, many fans were confused because Messi wore a black robe. This is the shirt that Emir of Qatar – Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ordered specifically for Lionel Messi.
This robe is a traditional Arab dress, decorated with many gold motifs.
However, it has covered Argentina’s colors. Therefore, on social networks, many fans expressed frustration. Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta angrily said, “Why? Why? There’s no reason to do that.”
Messi And Argentina Crazy Dressing Room Celebration 😎
Best Player In The World #Messi𓃵 ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/I8rDJ4I35i— Rhidoy Rockstar (@RhidoyRockstar) December 18, 2022
Winning the World Cup made Messi truly G.O.A.T
GOAT or G.O.A.T stands for the phrase “Greatest Of All Time”, which has long been debated between Messi and CR7 fans. With the World Cup victory, M10 can now stand on par with legends like Maradona or Pelé.
