Messi and Martinez reign supreme

Argentina won the World Cup 2022 final on Sunday to get the third star on their shirt ahead of France, after arguably the greatest-ever World Cup final.

Lionel Messi scored twice, and in the shootout, and Emiliano Martinez was brilliant as ever after extra-time, having made a huge save to even send the game to penalties.

Below, we’ve rated the Argentina players.

He is a star now, and he is so important to Argentina, more than ever in penalty shootouts. He denied Kolo Muani from the spot. The penalty shootout is his again. Build him a statue in Buenos Aires.

He did well without any major issues, and he more than played his part.

He was a monster in one-on-ones. A stellar showing at the back and the best defender on the pitch.

Intense as ever, but gave away a silly penalty that put his side in a lot of trouble.

He didn’t have too many issues until Kylian Mbappe turned things on towards the end. He was taken off.

Another brilliant showing in his time on the pitch. He had to be taken off as he had no more gas in the tank.

Spectacular in midfield as well, and he assisted the second goal after starting the move. He has been a real surprise this winter and will have teams wanting him.

A quieter game, but he was very good without dominating. He could have done more, but he has contributed a lot to this World Cup.

Started on the left and was lively, winning a penalty and scoring a goal. His withdrawal changed things, but he is definitely a big-game player.

The greatest footballer of all time, probably. Definitely the greatest footballer of the last 20 years, and there is nobody in the modern game that even comes close to his brilliance. Two goals in the final made him the first-ever player to score in every knockout round of a World Cup. Now, there can be no more debates.

Impressive and tireless, until he ran out of fuel. He was excellent in attack and working back, and his replacement saw Argentina’s threat fade a little.