- The World Cup Final delivered one of the most exciting football matches
- Argentina beat France 4-2 on Penalties to win the World’s Biggest Trophy
- Some Players were commended for their performance with individual awards from FIFA
Kylian Mbappe’s hat trick on Sunday was ineffective as Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, ultimately prevailed in the World Cup on penalties.
Individual awards were given to Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Emiliano Martinez at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
The Golden Ball
Messi taking his Golden Ball Award|PHOTO: Sports Ration|
Following Argentina’s epic penalty shoot-out win over France, Messi received the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player, just minutes before lifting the World Cup trophy for the first time.
He kissed the World Cup trophy on stage while holding his personal award.
Messi previously won the Golden Ball in 2014 in Brazil, where Argentina lost the final 1-0 in extra time to Germany.
But this time, the 35-year-old won the one trophy that had eluded him throughout his illustrious career.
Mbappe received the Silver Ball in second place, while 2018 Golden Ball winner Luka Modric received the Bronze Ball in third place.
The Golden Boot
Kylian Mbappe bags the Golden Boot.|PHOTO: CBS|
Mbappe was awarded the Golden Boot after his hat trick in the final put him on eight goals, one more than PSG teammate Messi, who scored twice on the day.
Mbappe now has 12 goals in two tournaments, with Miroslav Klose’s World Cup record of 16 goals firmly in his sights.
The 23-year-old has 36 goals in 66 France appearances and is cementing his reputation as one of the world’s best forwards.
Mbappe is only the second player in World Cup history to score a hat-trick, joining Geoff Hurst with England against Germany in 1966.
After the World Cup, the striker will return to club side PSG, where he will be reunited with Messi.
The Golden Glove
Emi Martinez celebrates as he receives the Golden Glove Award.|PHOTO: The Sun
After saving a penalty from Kingsley Coman in the shootout, Argentina goalkeeper Martinez was awarded the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper.
He also made a fantastic save late in extra time to prevent Randal Kolo Muani from scoring and putting France ahead for the first time.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was the hero of Argentina’s quarter-final victory over the Netherlands, making two penalty shootout saves.
The Young Player Award
Enzo Fernandez won the Young Player Award.|PHOTO: Goal|
In Qatar, another Argentinian took home the Best Young Player award, this time from Enzo Fernandez.
The Benfica midfielder had been a substitute in his country’s first two games, but his spectacular strike against Mexico helped him earn a starting spot.
Fernandez, who turns 22 next month, was part of a strong midfield trio that included Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, allowing Messi to work his magic.
His performances have piqued the interest of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Real Madrid and Liverpool reportedly interested in signing him.
Quarter-finalists defeated England and won the Fair Play Award after receiving only one booking in five matches.
Lionel Messi was full of praise for Fernandez after the Mexico win. “I know Enzo very well, here from the national team, and I also played against him in the Champions League,” he told reporters afterwards. “He deserves it because he’s a spectacular kid and a crucial player for us.”
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