Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a remarkable World Cup triumph on penalties against France ending the Cristiano Ronaldo debate to many stars of football. Lionel Messi has finally won the world cup, a trophy that has alluded him for his entire football career. The game ended in a 2-2 draw at regular time and the players were forced to play an extra 30 minutes of added time in a bid to break the tie. The tie proved so hard to break, however, as extra time bore fruit to another 2 goals each team having their fun at the back of the net. After a completely thrilling and exciting 120 minutes of football, the game had to be settled on penalty shoot-outs where Argentina emerged victorious after finding the back of the net in all their 4 spot kicks while France only managed 2. It was one hell of a final!

Ironically the first huge moment of the game was from the penalty spot with Messi converting from 12 yards after Angel Di Maria was felled by Ousmane Dembele. Di Maria then doubled his nation's lead in the 36th minute converting Alexis Mac Allister's pass. Kylian Mbappe then stole the limelight with two goals in two minutes to drag France level and force extra time. Messi snatched the spotlight back with a 108th-minute goal but the contest was not decided yet with Mbappe scoring a penalty with two minutes to go in extra time. Emiliano Martinez was the hero once again on penalties, saving Kingsley Coman's spot kick before winning the mental battle with Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni. Gonzalo Montiel then converted Argentina's spot-kick after Messi, Paulo Dybala and Leandro Parades had all scored, to crown his country as the 2022 World Cup winners.
 

Despite Messi's nation winning, the world of football is surely in good hands with Mbappe only 23 and surely set for a similar esteemed career as Messi. A Jules Rimet Trophy triumph for Messi though has seen him get one over on long-time foe Cristiano Ronaldo. A number of footballers have since taken to social media to offer their thoughts on the Messi and Ronaldo debate with many declaring the debate to be over and Lionel Andres Messi to be the greatest of all time (GOAT). Messi has now earned his place amongst football greats such as Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldinho by winning the most coveted trophy on the planet; the FIFA World Cup.