Having scored 791 goals for both his club and country, clinching 41 team titles, and receiving a record 7 Golden Ball awards, Lionel Messi has solidified his status as a standout player in global football.
Lionel Messi reached new heights as Argentina advanced to the final by defeating Croatia. In a stunning display of skill, Messi scored his 11th goal in World Cup matches, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta to become Argentina’s all-time leading goal scorer. Additionally, his performance in the semi-final matched German legend Lothar Matthaus’s record of 25 appearances at the World Cup. It seems likely that Messi will soon hold the record for most World Cup appearances when he participates in the 2022 final. Many fans are eagerly waiting for Messi to clinch the World Cup title with Argentina, solidifying his place as one of the greatest footballers in history. Winning the World Cup would undoubtedly settle the long-standing debate between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the title of the planet’s best footballer.
Photo credit: VI-Images Set to lead his national team onto the field on the evening of December 18, the 35-year-old player has his sights set on clinching the most prestigious and coveted trophy of his career. Can Messi cement his legacy by securing the highest honors a player can attain? Should he emerge victorious against France, the Paris Saint-Germain standout could join a select group of players as the 9th individual in history to triumph in the World Cup, European Cup/Champions League (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015), and claim the Ballon d’Or title seven times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021). Throughout history, only 8 players have achieved such a remarkable feat: – Bobby Charlton
In a showdown during the 1966 World Cup final, Bobby Charlton (on the left in the photo) came face to face with Franz Beckenbauer. Charlton, a legendary player in English football, played a crucial role in leading England to victory in the World Cup on home soil by defeating West Germany 4-2 in the final at Wembley. The same year, Charlton was honored with the Golden Ball award, edging out Portuguese sensation Eusebio for the prestigious title. Fast forward to 1968, Charlton achieved more success at Wembley when his club, Manchester United, triumphed over Benfica 4-1 in extra time to secure their first-ever European Cup trophy.
In 1974, Franz Beckenbauer proudly raised the World Cup trophy after guiding West Germany to a victory against the Netherlands in the final match. Beckenbauer had previously played in the 1966 World Cup final, but it was his leadership in 1974 that truly left a lasting impact as he thwarted the Dutch team’s “total football” strategy by marking Johan Cruyff and helping his team secure a 2-1 win. Following his World Cup success, Beckenbauer joined Bayern Munich where he played a pivotal role in their triumphant run, clinching three consecutive European Cups in the mid-1970s. Additionally, Beckenbauer was honored with the prestigious Golden Ball award twice in his career, in 1972 and 1976, showcasing his exceptional talent and skill on the field. FixedUpdate, Gerd Muller, was also a key player during this era of success for German football.
Gerd Muller was the hero of the 1974 World Cup final, securing the victory for West Germany with his winning goal. Known as one of the greatest goal-scorers of all time, he first clinched the Golden Ball title in 1970, beating out the likes of Bobby Moore to be named the best player. Muller’s impressive performance continued in the 1974 World Cup, where he netted 4 goals, including the crucial goal against the Netherlands in the final. His goal-scoring prowess was also evident in his three European Cup triumphs, notably scoring 8 goals in the 1973-1974 season and 5 goals in consecutive seasons, solidifying his reputation as a true legend of the sport. On a different note, Paolo Rossi was also a prominent figure in football history.
In 1982, Paolo Rossi, the Italian striker, rose to hero status as he led the national team to victory in the World Cup held in Spain. Playing for Juventus at the time, Rossi scored a total of 6 goals during the tournament, propelling Italy to glory on the international stage. Rossi’s standout performance not only earned him the World Cup Golden Boot but also secured him the prestigious Golden Ball award in the same year. His skill and talent on the field solidified his legacy as one of the best football players of his time. Following his World Cup success, Rossi went on to win the European Cup with Juventus three years later. However, the final match against Liverpool was marred by the tragic events at the Heysel Stadium, where 39 individuals lost their lives and over 600 were injured. In the world of football, Paolo Rossi’s name will always be synonymous with greatness and unforgettable moments on the pitch.
In 1998, Zinedine Zidane was awarded the prestigious Golden Ball after leading France to victory in the World Cup. Known as the greatest “conductor” in French football history, Zidane achieved a remarkable feat by winning three noble titles. His memorable performance in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil, where he scored two headers, solidified his legacy. Following his success at Juventus, Zidane made a move to Real Madrid in order to conquer the Champions League. Despite experiencing two unsuccessful finals with Juventus, Zidane’s transfer to Real Madrid proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. His iconic volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2001-2002 Champions League final is still regarded as one of the most magnificent goals in the tournament’s history.
Rivaldo and Ronaldo celebrate with the World Cup trophy after Brazil’s triumph in Japan in 2002. In the realm of coveted titles, Rivaldo clinched the first Golden Ball in 1999 Copa America, a testament to his stellar performance. The pinnacle of his career arrived in 2002 when he, alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, formed the formidable trio known as 3R, leading Brazil to World Cup glory. During the tournament, Rivaldo showcased his scoring prowess by netting goals in five consecutive matches for Brazil. He reached the pinnacle of success in the 2002-2003 season, securing a remarkable treble of World Cup, Golden Ball, and Champions League titles. Rivaldo achieved this feat with AC Milan, triumphing over Juventus in the 2003 Champions League final at Old Trafford. The legacy of Rivaldo and his talented teammates, including Ronaldinho, continues to inspire fans and football enthusiasts worldwide.
During the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals, Ronaldinho made headlines with an incredible 40-metre lob against England’s David Seaman, helping Brazil secure victory. This iconic moment added to his success with the national team, as they went on to win the tournament. In 2005, Ronaldinho received the prestigious Golden Ball award, beating out tough competition from English midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. The following year, his dream of winning the Champions League came true when Barcelona defeated Arsenal 2-1 in the final in Paris. This victory was a culmination of his hard work and talent on the pitch.
Kaka achieved a rare feat in the football world by winning prestigious titles at a relatively young age. Despite only playing 25 minutes in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup journey, he was still considered a key member of the championship-winning team. Fast forward to 2007, Kaka led AC Milan to victory in the Champions League final against Liverpool, securing the title with a 2-1 win. His outstanding performance that year even saw him beat out Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi in the Ballon d’Or voting.
