The World Cup ended with a bang on Sunday as Argentina edged a sensational final against France on penalties.
Lionel Messi realised a lifelong dream by lifting international football’s most coveted trophy after scoring once in normal time, once in extra time and then again in the shoot-out.
However, Kylian Mbappe rose to the occasion of a match many had billed as master v apprentice as the French star scored a superb hat-trick.
Both players were among those recognised when the individual awards were handed out by FIFA at the end of the tournament.
WORLD CUP AWARD WINNERS
Golden Boot – Kylian Mbappe
The France striker pipped Messi to the top scorer prize during the final. He ended the World Cup on eight goals, with the Argentina captain his closest challenger on seven.
Messi therefore claimed the silver boot, while Olivier Giroud took the bronze boot after scoring four times in six games.
Golden Ball – Lionel Messi
Messi claimed the Golden Ball for best player at the World Cup and made history in the process, becoming the first man to win the award twice, having previously done so in 2014.
The Argentine’s haul of seven goals and three assists were crucial in sealing his country’s first title since 1986.
Mbappe took the silver ball, while Croatia playmaker Luka Modric – winner of the Golden Ball in Russia four years ago – was awarded the bronze ball.
Golden Glove – Emiliano Martinez
Martinez proved crucial in the final, making a superb stop late in extra-time before saving a penalty in the shoot-out to help Argentina win the trophy.
The Aston Villa man finished the tournament with three clean sheets to his name, the same number as Morocco’s Bono and England’s Jordan Pickford.
Young Player of the Tournament – Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez started the World Cup on the bench, but after a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia he was drafted in by Lionel Scaloni and quickly made an impact.
The Benfica midfielder scored a stunning goal against Mexico in the group stage and played every minute in the knockout stages.
FIFA Fair Play Award – England
The Three Lions did take one award home – the Fair Play Award.
Gareth Southgate’s men exited the tournament with the fewest bookings, with Harry Maguire’s yellow against France proving to be their only card of the tournament.
