In 2022 World Cup news, Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal in the World Cup final against France.
The PSG forward converted from the post in the 23th minute, scoring his third penalty goal in this edition of the tournament.
LIONEL MESSI PASSES GABRIEL BATISTUTA TO BECOME ARGENTINA'S ALL-TIME LEADING WORLD CUP GOALSCORER! š¦š· pic.twitter.com/njhhcOQoJk
ā ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 13, 2022
With the goal, his tally in World Cups rose to 12 in 25 games, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta, who he had got level with, after scoring from the spot against Netherlands in the quarterfinals.
- 12* - Lionel Messi
- 10 - Gabriel Batistuta
- 8 - Diego Maradona
- 8 - Guillermo Stabile
- 6 - Mario Kempes
The 35-year-old was already the highest goal scorer for Argentina and added the 97th goal to his tally, with this goal being his first goal in a World Cup semifinal.
Argentina took a 2-0 lead at halftime at the Lusail Stadium. A penalty kick from Lionel Messi followed by another one of his sumptuous World Cup passes that led to Di Maria scoring the second.
France are yet to show up at this final and Didier Deschamps' side has work to do in the next 45 plus added time.
Lionel Messi is the first man to score at every knockout stage of a single World Cup š pic.twitter.com/Ok4x2obyjn
ā GOAL (@goal) December 18, 2022
France coach Didier Deschamps reverted to his preferred lineup after centre back Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot shook off a virus that had ruled them out of the semi-final against Morocco.
Upamecano starts alongside Raphael Varane after the Manchester United defender also recovered from a virus, while Olivier Giroud starts up front flanked by Kylian Mbappe on his left and Ousmane Dembele on his right.
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