Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi spent much of his career chasing the one trophy that had escaped him — the FIFA World Cup. In 2022, with Argentina, he finally lifted it.
Years of Heartbreak
Messi’s earlier World Cups brought brilliance but no title, most painfully a runners-up finish in 2014, when Argentina lost the final to Germany. The sense that his international story was incomplete followed him for years.
Redemption in Qatar
At the 2022 World Cup, Messi led Argentina with goals and assists across the tournament, driving them to a dramatic final against France that finished 3-3 and was decided on penalties. Lifting the trophy in Qatar was the crowning moment of his career.
A Legacy Sealed
The title cemented Messi’s place in football history and silenced any remaining debate about his international legacy — adding the World Cup to a glittering haul of club honours and individual awards.
