After 104 games, the World Cup comes to an end, and while we begin looking back through the action, the individual performances from some key players has without a doubt been a key part of the incredible nature of this month of footballing action. As a result, picking out our POTM for the tournament could have gone in many directions, but I’m sure we will be forgiven with leading with one of the more obvious candidates given his incredible summer efforts.

Lionel Messi has proven once again why he is the greatest player to ever play the game at this tournament, with 8 goals and 4 assists in his 8 games, dragging his nation through several tricky moments to another World Cup final, and while it was a step too far for Messi and co, he has stood out at 39 years of age as being just as pivotal in key games as he ever has been.

If you have anything to add to our NextGoalWinner POTM decision, or disagree with our pick, head over to Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and let us know what you think of our selection.

Match By Match

June 17th: Argentina 3-0 Algeria – Kicking off the tournament, Messi put any fears of another slow start like they suffered in 2022 to rest, as he bagged a hat-trick to open proceedings. With a huge display of his attack, Argentina were all-but secure of qualification from this point, as he laid down a marker for opponents.

June 22nd: Argentina 2-0 Austria – Continuing his scoring run, Messi made it 5 in 2 as he bagged both goals in their toughest group game against Austria, securing qualification and showing the world how despite his age, Messi was not to be stopped and the feeling of inevitability began to take over around the Argentina camp.

June 28th: Argentina 3-1 Jordan – In a relatively quiet showing to round off the group, Messi was used for a late 30 minute cameo against Jordan, but still managed to bag a goal and sure things up for his side as they made it 3 wins from 3 and cruised into the knockout rounds, where the chaos and drama was only just beginning.

July 3rd: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde – In their first knockout game, Argentina were rocked by the Cape Verde story, as they almost fell victim to one of the greatest World Cup upsets in history, and needed extra time to sure things up, but thanks to their talismanic figure in Messi they got this over the line as the wizard once again found the back of the net.

July 7th: Argentina 3-2 Egypt – If the win over Cape Verde wasn’t dramatic enough, the 2-0 to 3-2 comeback against Egypt was one of the tournament’s biggest moments as Messi again proved pivotal with another goal and assist as the sense of inevitability grew into a genuine belief that Argentina were going all the way.

July 12th: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland – In still dramatic circumstances, Argentina were again taken to extra time for this clash with Switzerland as Messi failed to bag a goal for the first time this tournament, but his ability to create moments meant he could turn provider for a goal as Argentina avoided another surprising exit prior to the semi-finals, but a clash with England awaited in the next round.

July 15th: Argentina 2-1 England – In the most painful game to watch (from my perspective at least), Argentina looked like they could be heading out as Anthony Gordon bagged the opener for England, before Messi realised his opportunity to drift out wide and go from being the target man to creator as he then set up 2 quick-fire goals for Argentina as they rallied and put England’s defensive setup to the sword and secured their place in another World Cup final, as England were left to suffer heartbreak.

July 19th: Argentina 0-1 Spain – Wrapping up the tournament, Argentina were completely outplayed by Spain as they collapsed at the final hurdle. With a completely defensive setup from Argentina, Messi was phased out of the game despite his incredible abilities, and for the first time all tournament he dropped below a 7/10 rating on FotMob for the first time, and produced his only performance in which he managed 0 goal contributions. A sad end to potentially his international career, but a huge showing to drag his team to this point once again.