During the weekend, Lionel Messi not only ended Argentina's 36-year wait for a FIFA World Cup title but also became the first-ever footballer to achieve two unique feats in the tournament.
With seven goals and three assists during the campaign, the 35-year-old was the architect of Argentina's World Cup triumph and was named the player of the competition by FIFA's Technical Committee.
What Is Unique About Messi?
The best player at the FIFA World Cup is honored with the Golden Ball award, and Messi won it for his mega contribution to Argentina's third World Cup win, their first since 1986 when the late Diego Maradona took them to a sensational victory.
By winning the Golden Ball in Qatar, Messi became the first player ever to claim the award twice. He was named the best player of the tournament in 2014 as well when the South American side was beaten by Germany in the final.
In addition to that, the 35-year-old became the first player in the 92-year history of the competition to score goals in each of the four knock-out matches, beginning with a 35th-minute strike in the Round of 16 against Australia.
Subsequently, La Pulga netted a goal each against the Netherlands and Croatia in the quarter-finals and the semifinals respectively before delivering a sensational brace versus France in the title clash.
Coming back to Messi's Argentina career, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner made a stunning U-turn on his promise to retire from international football after the World Cup final in the Middle East.
"I want to keep experiencing a few more matches as world champion," Messi told Argentine television following his country's nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out win over France in Doha.