Virtual clean sweep for Argentina in WC awards

As well as winning the 2022 World Cup final after a thrilling penalty shootout that came after an incredible 3-3 draw with France, Argentina virtually swept the boards with the awards for the tournament, reported Xinhua.

Lionel Messi was named as the winner of the Golden Ball, after scoring seven goals in the tournament and leading his team to victory with a series of inspirational performances.

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez was awarded the FIFA Young Player Award for the Qatar World Cup.

The 21-year-old, who plays his club football for Benfica in Portugal, made seven appearances (including five starts) at the World Cup, and his arrival in the team gave Argentina more creativity in midfield in the wake of their defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening group match.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez took the Golden Glove award for the best keeper in the tournament. As well as being a commanding presence in the Argentina goal, Martinez saved Kingsley Coman's penalty in Sunday's shootout and produced two saves as Argentina progressed into the semifinals with another shootout win against the Netherlands.

The only non-Argentine award winner was France's Kylian Mbappe, who claimed the Golden Boot with eight goals at the World Cup.