Comparing Messi and Zidane’s performances in World Cup finals after they bragged about their goals

Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi are two of the greatest football players ever.

They recently met for an epic conversation where the two icons discussed various topics, including their historic goals in the World Cup.

Sports Brief looks at their performances in the World Cup Finals following the release of their legendary chat.

Zidane played in two World Cup Finals in his storied career. He first appeared in football’s biggest game back in 1998 when France hosted the World Cup.

Les Bleus defeated Paraguay, Italy, and Croatia in the knockout rounds to set up a blockbuster final with defending champions, Brazil.

Zidane starred in the final, grabbing a brace in France’s 3-0 win over Brazil. He opened the scoring in the 27th minute through a header from a corner.

He doubled the French advantage just before the half-time break, scoring another header from a corner.

Emmanuel Petit completed the scoring in second-half injury time as France hoisted the World Cup trophy for the very first time.

Zidane returned to the World Cup Final eight years later, leading his country to a showdown with Italy in an all-European clash in 2006.

He gave France an early 1-0 lead, scoring a penalty in the seventh minute. His spot kick hit the underside of the crossbar before going into the goal.

Their joy was short-lived, though, as Italy equalised in the 19th minute through a Marco Materazzi header.

The two goal-scorers got into an argument during extra time, with Zidane infamously headbutting Materazzi, resulting in the Frenchman's dismissal.

Italy went on to beat France 5-3 on penalties to capture their fourth World Cup title, per The Guardian.

Zidane’s sending-off grabbed the headlines, with some blaming him for France’s gut-wrenching defeat.

Messi’s performances in World Cup Finals

For the longest time, the only thing missing in Messi’s trophy cabinet were the Copa America and World Cup titles.

He came close to ending that barren run in 2014 when Argentina reached the World Cup Final against Germany. Messi’s dream of lifting the trophy was dashed, though, as the Europeans recorded a 1-0 victory in that contest.

Mario Gotze scored the lone goal in the 113th minute to deny Argentina their third World Cup title.

Messi had an opportunity to equalise in the final minute of extra time, but his free kick attempt within goal-scoring distance flew high over the crossbar.

Fortunately for Messi and his legions of supporters, he got another opportunity to win the biggest trophy of them all when he led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup Final, scoring five goals in the group stage and the knockout rounds.

Messi saved the best for last in the match against France. He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute via a penalty after Ousmane Dembele fouled Angel Di Maria inside the box.

Argentina doubled their advantage in the 36th minute following a goal by Di Maria.

France looked down and out but made a stunning comeback late in the second half, scoring twice in a two-minute span.

Kylian Mbappe scored both of those goals, netting a penalty in the 80th minute and a volley in the 81st minute to tie the match at 2-2.

Messi restored Argentina’s advantage in extra time, sending fans into a frenzy with a goal in the 108th minute. Mbappe answered right back once again, scoring a penalty in the 118th minute to send the match into a shootout.

Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties, with Messi scoring one of the spot kicks in the shootout, per CNN.