“In extra time of the 2022 World Cup final with Argentina pegged back to 2–2 by France, Messi restores the lead to 3–2, edging him toward the one trophy missing from his legacy and marking his 13th World Cup goal.”
On the biggest stage of his career, Messi scores twice over 120 minutes in the World Cup final, leading Argentina through France’s comeback chaos and personally dragging his nation to the long-awaited trophy that completes his legacy.
Retaking the lead at 2–2, Messi meets Fàbregas’ pass with a difficult right-foot half-volley, catching it sweetly as it rises and driving it past Villarreal to secure the 3–2 win and his 390th career goal.
With Barcelona level late on, Messi lashes a difficult right-footed half-volley on the rise into the corner to retake the lead against Racing, a low-xG strike that stands out as the match-winning goal and his 77th career strike.
From a central position against Racing Santander, Messi calmly uses his right foot to break the deadlock with a composed low finish, setting Barcelona on their way before this routine league strike quietly becomes career goal 213 and his 128th in La Liga.
Suárez’s layoff sits up awkwardly and Messi lashes a first-time right-foot volley through the crowd to break the deadlock for Barcelona, a technically sharp finish that becomes La Liga goal number 330 of his career.