FIFA World Cup 2022 : Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Golden Glove

Argentina vs France, World Cup 2022 Final Highlights:

 In probably the wildest final in the tournament’s 92-year history, Argentina won its third World Cup title by beating France 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw featuring two goals from the 35-year-old Messi and a hat trick by his heir apparent, France forward Kylian Mbappé.

Mbappé and Messi took their teams’ first penalties and scored. Kingsley Coman had an attempt saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez and Aurelien Tchouameni then missed for France, giving Gonzalo Montiel the opportunity to end it. He converted the penalty to the left and sparked wild celebrations.

Europe’s run of four straight World Cup winners, dating to 2006, came to an end. The last South American champion was Brazil, and that was also in Asia — when Japan and South Korea hosted the tournament in 2002.

In Qatar, Argentina backed up its victory from last year’s Copa America, its first major trophy since 1993. It’s quite the climax to Messi’s international career, which is not over just yet. He said after the match that he would continue to play with the national team.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Emi Martinez scooped the big prizes at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Emiliano Martinez collected the big individual prizes at FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Just a matter of minutes before lifting the World Cup trophy for the first time, following Argentina's epic penalty shoot-out win over France, Messi received the Golden Ball awarded to the tournament's best player.

On the stage, he gave the World Cup trophy a kiss as he held his personal gong.

Messi had won the Golden Ball in 2014 in Brazil where Argentina suffered heartbreak in the final, going down 1-0 in extra time to Germany.

But this time, the 35-year-old got his hands on the one trophy that had thus far eluded him throughout his spectacular career.

Mbappe took the Silver Ball for second place with 2018 Golden Ball winner Luka Modric receiving the Bronze Ball for third.

Kylian Mbappe pips Lionel Messi to Golden Boot

Mbappe took the Golden Boot after his hat-trick in the final put him on eight goals, one clear of PSG club colleague Messi who scored twice on the day.

That took Mbappe to 12 goals in just two tournaments with Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals definitely in his sights.

The 23-year-old has scored 36 goals in 66 France appearances and continues to bolster his reputation as one of the finest forwards on the planet.

Emi Martinez takes Golden Glove after more penalty heroics

Argentina goalkeeper Martinez scooped the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper after saving a penalty from Kingsley Coman in the shoot-out.

He also made a wonderful save late in extra time to deny Randal Kolo Muani a goal which would have put France ahead for the first time.

The Aston Villa shotstopper had been the hero of Argentina's quarter-final victory over the Netherlands, making two saves in the penalty shoot-out.

Enzo Fernandez claims Young Player award

There was another Argentinian winner in Qatar as Enzo Fernandez claimed the Young Player of the Tournament award.

The Benfica midfielder was a substitute in his country's first two matches, but his spectacular strike against Mexico helped cement him a starting berth.

Fernandez, who turns 22 next month, formed a strong midfield trio alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister which allowed Messi to weave his magic.

His performances have attracted the attentions of the biggest clubs in Europe with Real Madrid and Liverpool reportedly interested in acquiring his services.

Beaten quarter-finalists England received the Fair Play Award after picking up just one booking in five matches.