Lionel Messi just accomplished the last objective in his storied and incredible footballing career.
The Argentine Ace has been a source of inspiration to the footballing world for over a decade with his incredibly consistent elite level performance leading Barcelona to an era of unparalleled dominance.
Messi had accomplished everything possible for a player of his stature. He had Balon D’ors, Champions league trophies, Multiple Spanish league trophies, golden boots, and player of the year awards.
The only thing missing in his rich cabinet was the holy grail, The World Cup. He had a chance at world cup glory in 2014 when Argentina faced Germany in the finals of the Fifa World cup.
Argentina would lose that encounter with Mario Goetze cementing his name in football history by coming on as a substitute and scoring the winning goal.
In 2016 messi would seemingly retire from international football after Argentina suffered a penalty shootout loss in the finals of the Copa America to Chile with Messi missing a penalty.
He would return a few months later stating that his desire to represent La Albiceleste was too strong. He thanked those who urged him to continue and was excited to see what the future held.
2022 Qatar World Cup
The magician suffered a dull first season at Paris Saint Germain failing to produce the goals he once scored at ease, although he gave flashes of his brilliance throughout the season to show he was still there.
His eternal rival Ronaldo had just made a strange move back to his boyhood club Manchester United, he was performing better than most strikers 10 years younger and finished the season the 3rd highest goal scorer in the Premier League with 18 goals behind only Salah and Son.
The very next season Messi would rediscover his frightening goal scoring form and put the world on notice right before the Qatar 2022 World cup started. The argentine produced 7 goals and 10 assists in 13 appearances for PSG, surpassing his entire tally of the previous season.
Ronaldo on the other hand was experiencing his 3rd manager at manchester united in 2 years and had featured mostly on the bench throughout the season. He would proceed to go on an explosive and since viral interview with Piers Morgan, where he let loose his issues with the club. He would be released by the club and went into the world cup a free agent.
Messi started slowly as Argentina succumbed to defeat in the first match in the 2022 World Cup at the hands of Saudi Arabia, ending their 36 game unbeaten streak.
They would rally through their group and proceed through the tournament showing guts, determination and his footballing IQ. Messi surpassed all expectations as he finished the tournament with 7 goals and 3 assists in 7 world cup appearances.
Ronaldo on the other hand would endure a heartbreaking tournament as he would be left on the bench for the round of 16 and quarter final game after not performing close to his ability and falling out of favor with his national team coach.
He would put out a statement after Portugal was eliminated by Morocco saying.
Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. Fortunately, I won many titles of international dimension, including Portugal, but putting our country’s name on the highest foot in the World was my biggest dream.
I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the 5 appearances, I scored in World Cups over 16 years, always by the side of great players and supported by millions of Portuguese, I gave my all. Leave it all out on the field. I never turned my face to the fight and I never gave up on that dream.
sadly yesterday the dream ended the heat is not worth reacting to. I just want you all to know that much has been said, much has been written, and much has been speculated, but my dedication to Portugal has not changed not for a moment. I was always one fighting for the objective of all and I would never turn my back on my colleagues and my country.
Not much more to say for now. Thank you Portugal. Thank you Qatar The dream was nice while it lasted… Now, it’s hoping that the weather will be a good advisor and allow each one to draw their own conclusions.
Messi Vs Mbappe
The final of the world cup was a blockbuster. Messi Vs Mbappe, Past vs Present, and Argentina Vs France.
Messi Vs Mbappe.
Early on Argentina would show precision as they would score two goals in the first half to put the match to bed early.
Emotions were clearly high as they pressed and contained the vibrant french outfit. Messi would score a penalty and Angel Di Maria would slot home a cleanly worked counter attack to put Argentina up 2-0 at 35 minutes.
It seemed as If it was finally Messi’s greatest night as surely a 2-0 first half lead was insurmountable. The clock reached 70 minutes and it was still 2-0, but in 5 minutes it would quickly be 2-2.
Kylian Mbappe scored both goals to send the game into extra time. The 23 year old world beater showed why he is next to take the throne. He doesn’t need to play well for a whole match, he can end a match in 5 minutes with his brute force and talent.
Messi would score again in extra time as the pressure was reaching a boiling point with Angel Di Maria visibly shaken, eagerly awaiting the final whistle. Mbappe struck again.
After a handball, the French were awarded a penalty and Kylian Mbappe stepped up to slot it home and send the game to penalties. Argentina would dig deep to secure the win and become world champions, ending Messi’s quest for immortality.
That match was officially the crowning of the man that will carry football into the next decade, and he is every bit as talented as his predecessors.
At just 23 he possesses a toolbox that many elite level performers lack. His confidence is just a by-product of his obvious hard work which has made him the face of french football.
He was devastated by the loss but we have to remember, Mbappe has won a world cup before and by the sample we’ve been given there’s no doubt he will win it again.
Mbappe has returned to PSG and has stated that there is no animosity between him and Messi. “I spoke to Messi after the match, I congratulated him. It was important for him, me too, but I lost and you have to show maturity to congratulate the opponent,” Mbappe said.
It would be interesting to watch the dynamic between the two superstars upon Messi’s return.
