Records were shattered at the Qatar FIFA World Cup. Photo: AFP
The Qatar FIFA World Cup was filled with record breaking feats on the field, here we take a look at some of the most interesting achievements.
Messi cements international legacy
In his final FIFA World Cup, Argentina's Lionel Messi broke several records to cement his legacy among the pantheon of the greatest international footballers.
On course to glory, the Argentina talisman became his country's all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, scoring against Croatia to notch his 11th goal across five World Cups and overtake Gabriel Batistuta's previous record of 10.
Argentina's victory over France proved to be a crowning moment for Messi as he became the player with the most appearances in World Cup history, passing Germany's Lotthar Matthuas previous record of 25 matches.
Following the victory, Messi was awarded with the Golden Ball trophy proclaiming him as the best footballer of the Qatar World Cup.
After previously winning the trophy after Argentina's loss in the 2014 World Cup final, Messi became the first player to win the Golden Ball on two separate occasions. He also became the oldest player to ever win the Golden ball at 35.
Lionel Messi broke several records in Argentina's journey to World Cup glory. Photo: AFP / MOHAMMED DABBOUS
Losing in style
In heartbreaking fashion, French superstar Kylian Mbappe equalled the record for the most goals scored in a World Cup final during France's loss to Argentina, scoring a hat-trick to match the achievement of Geoff Hurst's three goals in the 1966 final.
Hurst's hat-trick took England to a 4-2 victory over West Germany, meaning Mbappe also picked up the unwanted record of becoming the first player to lose a World Cup final after scoring a hat-trick.
With eight goals in seven games at the Qatar World Cup, the Paris Saint-Germain forward won the Golden Boot award which offered some consolation after France's loss in the final.
Golden oldies
At the age of 37, Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male footballer to score in five different editions of the FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo's successful penalty against Ghana means the forward has now scored at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
The Portugal captain also extended his record as the highest-capped player in his nation's history at the World Cup, recording his 22nd appearance in the quarterfinal loss to Morocco.
In the round of 16, Brazil captain Thiago Silva became the oldest player on record to make an assist in the World Cup at 38 years and 74 days old.
Playing a role in Richarlison's beautiful goal against South Korea, the Chelsea centre-back proved class is permanent.
Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring against Ghana. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Morocco takes flight
Fan favourites Morocco broke a number of records during their incredible run to the World Cup semifinals.
After upsetting Portugal in their quarterfinal matchup, the Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal.
Having gone unbeaten up until their semifinal defeat to France, Morocco also snatched the record of the longest unbeaten run of any African nation at a World Cup with a five-match winning streak.
In individual records, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou became the first African goalkeeper to record three clean sheets at a single edition of the World Cup.
After scoring with an emphatic leaping header to knock out Portugal, Youssef En-Nesyri notched a record of his own as he became the nation's record goal scorer at World Cups with three goals.
Morocco players celebrate their penalty shootout win over Spain at the 2022 World Cup. Photo: AFP
Tempers flare
The fiery Qatar World Cup quarterfinal between Netherlands and Argentina has been dubbed the 'Battle of the Lusail' after the stadium it took place in.
The bad-tempered fixture will be remembered for disciplinary action after referee Mateu Lahoz brandished a record 18 yellow cards following on-field bust ups, backchat from the bench and Argentina's Leandro Paredes booting the ball at the Dutch dugout.
Previously the record was held by the 'Battle of Nuremberg' match between Portugal and the Netherlands at the 2006 World Cup, which saw 16 yellow cards handed out.
Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina and Memphis Depay of Netherlands struggle to hold the ball in the first half during the FIFA World Cup quarter-final match Netherlands vs Argentina. Photo: AFP
Midfield powerhouses
An engine in midfield, Croatia's Marcelo Brozovic improved on the record of the highest distance covered during a World Cup match.
At 30 years old the Inter Milan midfielder covered a huge 16.7km against Japan to break the record he previously set against England in 2018 (16.4km).
Brozovic's lung-busting efforts appeared to catch up with him later in the tournament, as the key player was forced to come off due to injury early on in Croatia's semifinal loss to Argentina.
In a team renowned for its passing prowess, Spain midfielder Rodri set a new record for the most accurate passes made by a single player in a World Cup match, with 204 against Japan.
The Manchester City man then broke his own record in Spain's next match against Morocco, completing 206 passes.
