FishRook
Lionel Messi celebrates after their sides third goal by Julian Alvarez of Argentina (not pictured) during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi final match between Argentina and Croatia at Lusail Stadium on December 13, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Phot
AL KHOR, Qatar – This is how it had to be. For Lionel Messi to have it all — the win, the story, the fairytale, the ultimate stamp of immortality — this is the one.
This is the game, the World Cup final (Sunday, 10 a.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app). And this is the right opponent, reigning champion France, and there’s no valid argument to be made otherwise.
There could have been spicier and more tribal finals, like if the draw and the bracket had lined up to pit Messi and his colleagues against neighborly rival Brazil.
There could have been a more historically edged showdown for the trophy, like if Argentina had come up against a former political foe in England.
History of the World Cup
How the World Cup became…
