Jakarta, CNNI Indonesia —
Lionel Messi carve incredible nicks after Argentina officially champion World Cup 2022.
This win means Messi has beaten Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo in several finals.
Messi played brilliantly as Argentina beat France on penalties 4-2 (3-3) in the final at Lusail Stadium on Sunday (18/12). La Pulga scored two goals and successfully performed the task of penalty taker in the drama from the 12th point against Les Bleus.
Mbappé actually looked no less impressive. Messi’s teammate at Paris Saint-Germain turned into a fearsome monster in front of the opposition goal by scoring a hat-trick.
However, Mbappe had to accept the reality of being on the losing side in the penalty shootout. The bankruptcy of Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni prevented France from defending the title won four years ago.
A year ago Messi also emerged victorious when he met his best friend, Neymar, who strengthened Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final.
Argentina looked near-perfect in the group stage without coming close to defeat. Albiceleste then continued to advance towards the top match to meet Brazil at the Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro on 10 July 2021.
Messi didn’t score in this match. The winning goal for Tango’s team was scored by Angel Di Maria.
Long before the victories over Mbappe and Neymar, Messi had already won the battle against Ronaldo. At that time, Messi, still wearing the Barcelona kit, faced Manchester United in the 2008/2009 Champions League final.
Messi scored a goal through Samuel Eto’o to help Barcelona win 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Messi and his friends celebrated while Ronaldo could only look down.
(jal/rhr)
