Essential Football

World Cup final: Messi’s moment, a superb tournament on the pitch, if not always off it – plus Southgate stays reaction

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Episode notes

It’s the final Sky Sports World Cup podcast! Lionel Messi has his hands on the trophy at long last. Joining Ron Walker to look back on a sensational five weeks of football is Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett.

Up for discussion are the final itself, where France got their second wind and how Messi shut down the GOAT debate once and for all, as well as what’s next for Didier Deschamps and how Kylian Mbappe still showed his greatness in defeat.

Also on the agenda is the legacy the tournament will leave – for good and bad – the nightmare transport issues at the Lusail Stadium and whether progress really is on the agenda for human rights in Qatar.

Finally, there’s reaction to the news Gareth Southgate will stay on as England manager, the reasons for his decision and his hopes of keeping fans onside ahead of Euro 2024.