The biggest retirement from the beautiful game since Pele’s farewell in 1970. Messi finally wins a World Cup and leaves the stage – passing the torch to Mbappe, his PSG teammate. The beautiful game proved once again why it deserves so much better than FIFA and Qatar. Football (and Argentina) won again.

Mbappe will be back. At 23, the world of football is at his feet – pun intended. Thanks Messi – for keeping the game safe despite the machinations of those who would kill it with corruption and greed.