The 35-year-old scored twice goals in a thrilling 3-3 extra-time draw with France in Qatar on Sunday and then scored in the penalty shoot-out as Argentina lifted the trophy for the third time, but the first for him.
Argentina looked on course for a comfortable win in normal time but two goals in 90 seconds from Kylian Mbappe took the game into extra time as the French star netted again during extra-time.
Messi broke the record for World Cup appearances as he moved 26 at the tournament and he has 13 goals and eight assist at World Cups, including seven goals and three assists in Qatar.
Messi had indicated during the build-up to the final that the game would be his last on the world stage, but speaking afterwards he told Argentinian TV station TyC Sports: “Obviously I wanted to cap my career with this and I can’t ask for anything more. What will happen after this? I’ve managed to win the Copa America and the World Cup almost at the end…
“I love football, it’s what I do. I enjoy being in the national team and want to continue by experiencing a few more games as a world champion.”
Whether or not “a few more games” will constitute a title defence in four years’ time remains to be seen, but head coach Lionel Scaloni is hoping so.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Scaloni said: “First of all, we need to save him a spot for the next World Cup in 2026. If he wants to keep playing, he’ll be with us.”
Messi won the Golden Ball for the best player at the tournament, becoming only the second player to do so. He makes the cut in the best XI in Qatar but see who else we picked after an entertaining tournament…
1. Emiliano Martinez
The Argentina goalkeeper will be remembered for his penalty heroics during the tournament but a vital save in the last minute of extra time ensured the game went to penalties. The former Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United goalkeeper also provided a key save in the last-16 tie against Argentina. Photo: Julian Finney
2. Achraf Hakimi
Played a key role as Morocco made history as the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final. Scored the winning penalty in the last-16 shootout win over Spain with a memorable panenka. Photo: KARIM JAAFAR
3. Harry Maguire
Put his poor start to the season at Manchester United with a string of fine displays in Qatar. The ex-Sheffield United and Hull City man rarely put a foot wrong as England went out in the last eight to France. Photo: Julian Finney
4. Josko Gvardiol
The Croatia defender may be remembered for being turned inside out by Lionel Messi the the semi-finals but the RB Leipzig defender has had a fine tournament - capping it with a goal in the third-place play-off win over Morocco on Saturday. Photo: KARIM JAAFAR