Leo Messi is the absolute protagonist of the World Cup. Not even the goals from Kylian Mbappé, the tournament's top scorer and author of a hat-trick in the final that allowed France to keep their options until the penalty shootout, eclipse the epic of '10' in Qatar.
The Rosario star has been the spiritual leader of a young and inexperienced dressing room, but with enormous faith. Faith in themselves and especially in their guru. Messi has been able to put the team on his back to move forward with a team that has gone from less to more. He has done it with the usual talent that he treasures in his boots, but also with character, even with anger ("What are you looking at, stupid?").
Against France he scored two goals for the French: the first to open the penalty can. Then in extra time he put the momentary 3-2 on the scoreboard. Also from eleven meters he converted his shot in the shootout, tremendous reliability and necessary in the most important game of his life.
At the age of 35, his extraordinary performance in the emirate has earned him, in addition to the World Cup, two individual recognitions: MVP of the final and the Ballon d'Or of the tournament. This last distinction was already received in Brazil 2014, when Argentina lost in extra time against Germany. The face of that Messi had nothing to do with that of this Sunday in Lusail.
Before lifting the World Cup with the questionable Qatari outfit, Messi was able to kiss the trunk when he went out to collect the award for the best player in Qatar 2022. He was not the only winner. Two teammates and one teammate were with him.
Mbappé took the Golden Boot for his eight goals in seven games, a spectacular performance despite the fact that he was less participatory in the final. Even so, he scored twice in two minutes and forced extra time. From then on his sense of danger was constant.
Another who could have won the Golden Boot was Dibu Martínez. The providential kick from him to a shot from Kolo Muani in the extra time of extra time could well be worth that prize. The World Cup Golden Glove saved a penalty from Coman in the shootout and brushed both of Mbappé's during regulation time.
One of the surprises of the World Cup was also awarded. Enzo Fernández started as a substitute but has grown as he has advanced in the tournament. The 21-year-old Benfica midfielder received the award for best young player.
