Messi wins Golden Ball for best player at FIFA World Cup 2022

Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball for the best player at this year’s World Cup on Sunday after leading Argentina to victory in the final against France.

Messi scored twice in the final, taking his tally of goals at the tournament to seven, and also scored in the shoot-out as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time.

Kylian Mbappe was runner-up to Messi for the award but won the Golden Boot for the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, one ahead of the Argentina captain.

Luka Modric finished third in the man of the match race after helping Croatia to third place.

Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez won the Golden Glove for the World Cup’s best goalkeeper, while his compatriot Enzo Fernandez, 21, was named the best young player.

Argentina’s victory over France saw them claim the World Cup for the third time after their wins in 1978 and 1986.

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