Messi and Julián Álvarez Are Both in the Race for Goal of the Tournament — and You Can Vote
FIFA has opened voting for the best goal of the World Cup, with 12 contenders. Argentina have both Messi and Julián Álvarez on the list. Find out how to vote on Play.FIFA.
The World Cup is over, Spain lifted the trophy — but the celebration isn't quite done yet. FIFA has opened voting for the best goal of the tournament, and Argentina have put two serious contenders in the running.
The first is Lionel Messi: a thunderbolt from outside the box in the 3–0 win over Algeria in the group stage. The second is Julián Álvarez, who scored the 2–1 in the quarter-final against Switzerland. Two goals, two moments that sent Argentine fans into delirium.
But the competition is fierce. There are 12 candidates in total, according to FIFA, and the list includes a screamer from Kylian Mbappé in France's rout of Senegal, a precise strike from Erling Haaland that finished off Brazil in Norway's 2–1 victory, and even Ferran Torres's goal for Spain against Argentina in the final.
There is also room for smaller stories — no less beautiful for it. Eldor Shomurodov scored Uzbekistan's first-ever goal at a World Cup. Elijah Just featured in a 2–2 between New Zealand and Iran. Daizen Maeda capped a breathtaking Japanese team move.
To vote, simply visit Play.FIFA. Voting is open for just under a week.
Golmetria's model still sees Argentina as the second-strongest force in the tournament, with a 68% chance of reaching the final — which makes every Argentine highlight from this World Cup carry even more weight.
Which goal will live longest in the memory? Messi's thunderbolt, Julián's cool finish, or someone nobody saw coming? The vote is yours.