Iran Press/ Middle East: Messi won his first World Cup as Argentina defeated France on penalties to win a dramatic final in Qatar.
Messi scored twice in the final, Argentina’s first and third goals in the 3-3 draw. It took his total at the World Cup to seven goals, while he also had three assists and produced a number of brilliant moments throughout the tournament.
The 35-year-old missed out on the Golden Boot award after France forward Kylian Mbappe scored a stunning hat-trick in the final, taking his total to eight goals overall.
Messi has now won the Golden Ball twice after he was named player of the tournament at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Argentina were beaten 1-0 in the final by Germany but Messi now has the World Cup trophy to crown his career.
Luka Modric was the last golden ball winner, claiming the prize at the 2018 World Cup in Russia as his Croatia side finished as runners-up.
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