In one of the most dramatic battles in soccer history, Messi led Argentina to a 12-11 victory over France on penalties, ending a 16-year World Cup dream trip with a perfect win. 35-year-old Messi scored nearly 800 career goals and collected 42 club trophies, as well as a rare seven Ballon d'Or awards. In the last chapter of his soccer career, he finally tasted the World Cup title, crowned as the "king of the ball", perhaps such glory has seemed insignificant. Left hand cup, right hand holding the golden ball, Messi lamented: "I have nothing to pursue, just want to immerse in the joy of soccer."
In the final, Messi scored two solo goals and opened the first record in the penalty shootout, and also set a number of world records, including the most appearances in the World Cup, the longest playing time, and the most number of times he won the best player of the match. In the first four World Cups, Messi never scored in the knockout rounds, but this World Cup scored from the last 16 to the final, creating history, and eventually and logically becoming the first player to win the World Cup Golden Ball Award twice.
In 2006, the 18-year-old Messi's first appearance but in the final eight halberd; in 2010, he first assumed the role of captain, but in the final eight was eliminated by Germany; in 2014, Messi led the team into the final, but regretted to lose to Germany in overtime; the last World Cup, Argentina in the round of 16 out of the World Cup has been 30-year-old Messi and the World Cup Championship dream is getting farther and farther away. This year's unexpected defeat to Saudi Arabia in the first game, let the fans worry that Messi will encounter the tragedy of the group stage exit, I did not realize that this is the "king of the ball" before the coronation of the necessary test.
At 35, Messi has been omnipotent at club and national team level, and after realizing the final piece of the World Cup title, he said, "Obviously, I wanted this World Cup title to enrich my soccer career, and I had nothing more to ask for. At the end of my career, I got the Copa America title and the World Cup title ...... It's crazy to realize a dream in this way, but I know God will bring me this gift."
With the coveted World Cup title in his pocket, there was news that Messi would retire to end his international career, but he announced that he would continue to represent Argentina: "I love soccer, I enjoy being a member of the Argentine national team, and I would like to enjoy many more Argentine matches as a world champion." After fulfilling his dream, Messi did not shed tears, but with a smile of satisfaction and happiness, letting soccer fulfill his legend.
