Best moments from the World Cup
This was arguably the best World Cup in many peoples eyes. This was a World Cup where history was made and where the odds were defied. Leo Messi became the first player to score in every stage of the World Cup. Morocco were the first African team to make the World Cup semi-finals. The Atlas Lions also beat Belgium, Spain & Portugal. France became the first team to make back-to-back finals since Brazil in 2002. Mbappe became the second player to score a hat-trick in the World Cup final. Japan beat Germany and Spain. Croatia knocked out the favorites. So many moments that players, managers and fans will remember for a lifetime. However this moment is really about Lionel Messi & Argentina. Futbol Mundial brings you the highlights from Argentina’s victory over France
How Messi led Argentina to the final
It is remarkable how Argentina bounced back from losing against 51st ranked team Saudi Arabia in one of the biggest shocks in football. They then were shaky against Mexico in a game that was looking like they may not progress from the group stage. This was a must win game and Messi’s goal was a turning point for Argentina. Argentina comfortably beat Poland 2-0 to secure top spot in the group. They then faced a game where Australia threatened to equalize in the last few minutes. They then faced the daunting task of beating the Netherlands who were better than Australia in all areas. Argentina’s lead slipped away against Holland. However they managed to win on penalties. La Ablecieste blew away Croatia in a game that was over by halftime with the score being 2-0. Their only task left was beating France.
Messi’s previous failures
Messi had previously taken Argentina to four finals in which they lost to Brazil, Germany and Chile. They had also fallen short in other tournaments failing in the quarter-finals, round of 16 and semifinals. Argentina fans had previously booed Messi and said he would not he would not be as good as Maradona. He retired from the national team after the 2016 Copa America final. La Ablecieste fans were not satisfied given the fact that he won everything for Barcelona and nothing for the national team. In 2021 Scaloni offered the Argentina team more balance so that it is solely reliant on Messi. Lionel Messi won the golden boot, the best player of that tournament as well as winning his first international trophy.
Messi outperforms France in an intriguing final
Leo was aiming to win his first ever World Cup to cement his place as the greatest of all time. Argentina knew how to expose France’s weaknesses which was constantly attacking them and overtaking the midfield. Argentina was up 2-0 thanks to Messi and Di Maria and it was looking certain that Argentina would be taking the trophy home. La Ablecieste outplayed France in the first 75 minutes as their midfield could not respond. France got a penalty and everything changed. Mbappe got two goals in less than two minutes and Argentina was looking shaky. Messi got a second goal and it looked like they had won it. France got a second penalty and Mbappe put it away to complete his hat-trick. Argentina won on penalties and Leo Messi lifted his first World Cup trophy.
