Argentina’s 2022 World Cup Victory: A Definitive Review of the Final
Argentina secured its third FIFA World Cup title by defeating France in the 2022 final in Qatar, concluding a tournament defined by Lionel Messi’s pursuit of his first global trophy. The match, held on December 18, 2022, at Lusail Stadium, ended 3-3 after extra time, with Argentina winning 4-2 in a penalty shootout.
The Path to the 2022 Final
Argentina entered the final after a dominant 3-0 victory over Croatia in the semi-finals. Lionel Messi, who scored the opening goal from the penalty spot in that match, led an Argentine side that had recovered from a shock opening-group stage loss to Saudi Arabia. France reached the final by defeating Morocco 2-0, aiming to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.
Tactical Breakdown of the Final
The match is widely regarded as one of the greatest finals in tournament history. Argentina controlled the first 80 minutes, taking a 2-0 lead through a Messi penalty and an Angel Di Maria goal. According to official FIFA match reports, France struggled to find momentum until the final ten minutes of regulation time. Kylian Mbappé shifted the trajectory of the game by scoring two goals in 97 seconds, forcing the match into extra time.
In the second period of extra time, Messi scored to put Argentina ahead 3-2, but Mbappé completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot minutes later to level the score again. This made Mbappé only the second player in history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, joining England’s Geoff Hurst, who achieved the feat in 1966.
The Decisive Penalty Shootout
Following the 3-3 deadlock, the title was decided by penalties. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez played a significant role, saving a shot from Kingsley Coman. Aurelien Tchouaméni also missed for France, sending his effort wide of the post. Gonzalo Montiel scored the clinching penalty for Argentina, securing the 4-2 shootout victory.
Legacy of the 2022 Tournament
The victory marked Argentina’s first World Cup win since 1986. For Lionel Messi, the win served as the final achievement in his international career, cementing his status in football history. Following the match, FIFA awarded Messi the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player, while Kylian Mbappé received the Golden Boot as the top scorer with eight goals.
Key Facts
* Final Score: Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 on penalties).
* Venue: Lusail Stadium, Qatar.
* Date: December 18, 2022.
* Hat-trick Scorer: Kylian Mbappé (France).
* Argentina’s Titles: 1978, 1986, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2022 World Cup?
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup after defeating France in the final.
How many goals did Lionel Messi score in the 2022 final?
Lionel Messi scored two goals during the match, one in regulation time and one in extra time.
Who won the Golden Boot in 2022?
Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot with eight goals scored throughout the tournament.