Lionel Messi Kaizer Chiefs Blom

Lionel Messi has ascended to World Cup heaven. Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP)

World Cup 2022 news roundup: All the best stories you might have missed

Messi’s career by numbers and net worth, Mbappé scintillating stats and the most wholesome Messi family images you’ll ever see.

Lionel Messi Kaizer Chiefs Blom

Lionel Messi has ascended to World Cup heaven. Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP)

It’s been a whirlwind 12 hours in the aftermath of Argentina’s memorable World Cup success. Here’s a whip-around of the most gripping stories, including some extremely wholesome Lionel Messi family images.

GOAT: Record-breaking Lionel Messi steers La Albiceleste to first World Cup triumph in 36 years


World Cup 2022: Latest news roundup

What is Messi’s net worth and PSG salary?

Lionel Messi is now a champion of the world after his heroic exploits in last night’s final for Argentina vs France. To go with it, he also has the comfort of knowing he’s the highest paid athlete on the planet for 2022.

MESSI’S STAGGERING NET WORTH


Messi: World Cup winner’s mind-boggling career in numbers

Lionel Messi has completed his own personal set of accolades. Take a closer look at an astonishing career by the numbers.

THE GOAT’S STATS

Lionel Messi World Cup 2022
Messi held aloft with the biggest prize in football. Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP)

FIFA World Cup 2022: Relive the best images, memories and moments

FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar will be forever remembered as the time when Africa made the final four. It will also be fondly cherished for its stunning upsets, and the time that Lionel Messi ended a 36-year World Cup drought for his beloved Argentina.

BEST UNFORGETTABLE IMAGES

Lionel Messi
Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates with his children at the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 18, 2022. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP)

Lionel Messi makes statement on his Argentina future: ‘I love football, it’s what I do.’

The 35-year-old has made a big statement on the immediate future for him in an Argentina jersey.

IT’S NOT OVER


Mama Messi: Lionel celebrates World Cup win with his mom

Watch the touching moment when Lionel Messi’s mother, Celia María Cuccittini, runs onto the field and engulfs him.

MAMA MESSI!


Kylian Mbappé: These ridiculous numbers don’t make sense

Kylian Mbappé is not even 24 years old yet and he’s already doing things many World Cup greats have never done before. Despite heartbreak in the final, he produced yet another magical display and he’ll be back for more. What a player.

FUTURE BALLON D’OR?

World Cup final Lionel Messi
Agony and ecstasy in the biggest football match. of all. Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)

ICYMI: Argentina 3-3 AET match report

Lionel Messi wasn’t born yet when Argentina last won the World Cup, and today he was instrumental in their first triumph since 1986.

BREATHLESS


Meanwhile, you can get more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game from James Freemantle

Also keep up on daily football trivia via football stats nerd foodball_za.