Messi finishes the story

Lionel Messi’s club career is already a museum: Barcelona, goals, Ballons d’Or. The World Cup is the missing room. In Qatar he is 35. Argentina lose the opener, survive, and reach a final against France that feels like two greatest-of-all-time arguments colliding.

Messi scores. Mbappé scores three. Extra time. Penalties. Argentina win. Messi lifts the trophy in a robe that looks like it was waiting for him. For a generation that grew up arguing Messi vs. Ronaldo, the debate gets a final exhibit.

Greatness in soccer is club and country, and country had been the hole. 2022 closes it. Everything after is encore.