Lionel Messi-led Argentina will face off against defending champions France in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final on Sunday. The star striker has already announced retirement from playing for his nation after the title clash. Messi is aiming to win the first ever World Cup trophy of his illustrious career as Argentina play their sixth final in the history of the tournament. Meanwhile, France have their sights on becoming only the third country to win back-to-back World Cups, alongside Brazil and Italy.Argentina captain Messi has shown peak form in this edition of the tournament and he played pivotal roles in his team’s campaign to reach the final. The 35-year-old played the 1000th match of his career when Argentina took on Australia in the round of 16. He and France’s Kylian Mbappe are currently the joint highest goal-scorer in the tournament. Messi will be eyeing some incredible records in the final on Sunday and we have enlisted them here.
Most wins by a player in World Cup:In competitions where he participated in the FIFA World Cup, Messi has won 16 matches. The great striker will tie for the most victories in World Cup games with 17 if Argentina wins the championship game. Legendary German player Miroslav Klose currently owns the record with 17 World Cup victories in his career.
Most appearances by a player in World Cup:
If Messi appears in the final on Sunday, he will become the player with most world cup appearances surpassing Germany’s Lothar Matthaus (25 appearances).
Most minutes played in World Cup:
Italian legend Paolo Maldini has played the most minutes in World Cup history: 2,217. Messi has appeared for 2,194 minutes and is well poised to claim the record in the final. Only 23 minutes is the difference between the two.
Most assists in World cup: To date, Messi has contributed nine assists in FIFA World Cup games. With eleven assists, Brazilian superstar Pele now holds the top spot. Messi will break the record if he can assist his teammates in scoring at least two goals in the championship game.
Multiple Golden Ball awards: The 2014 World Cup’s Golden Ball went to the Argentina striker. The best all-around player in a World Cup is given the Golden Ball. One of the favourites to receive the honour this time around is Messi. He will become the first player to win two Golden Balls if he is successful in securing the coveted award.
Winner of both Golden Boot and Golden Ball in World Cup: In addition to the Golden Ball, the highest goal scorer in a World Cup edition receives the Golden Boot award. Only seven players, including former Argentina star Mario Kempes (1978), Leu00f4nidas da Silva (1938), Garrincha (1962), Ronaldo (1998 Golden Ball, 2002 Golden Boot), Paolo Rossi (1982), Salvatore Schillaci (1990), and Ronaldo (1998 Golden Ball) have the distinction of winning both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball. With five goals each, Messi and Mbappe are the top goal scorers in this edition, therefore the former may overtake Mbappe and take home the Golden Boot as well.
Most goal contributions:Messi has 20 goal contributions including 11 goals and nine assists in FIFA World Cup tournaments. Brazil legend Pele holds the record with 22 goal contributions including 12 goals and 10 assists across all editions that he participated in. Therefore, Messi will have the golden chance to surpass or equal Pele’s tally.
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