Argentina’s Lionel Messi Wins 2022 FIFA World Cup Final as Argentina Triumphs 3-3 (4-2) Against France

Argentina secured its third FIFA World Cup title after a dramatic 3-3 draw with France in the 2022 final, with Lionel Messi scoring a decisive penalty in the shootout, according to FIFA’s official match report. The victory marks Messi’s first World Cup win and cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in history.

Match Overview: A Thrilling Encounter

The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, held at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar, saw Argentina and France battle to a 3-3 draw after 120 minutes, with the outcome decided by a penalty shootout. Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved two French penalties, including a crucial stop against Kylian Mbappé, as reported by Reuters.

Messi, 35, was the standout performer, scoring two goals and providing one assist. His first goal came in the 23rd minute, a curling free kick that bypassed France’s wall. France responded with a goal from Mbappé in the 33rd minute, who later added a second in the 80th minute to level the score at 2-2. Argentina’s third goal came from Julián Álvarez in the 88th minute, before Mbappé’s late equalizer sent the match to extra time.

Messi’s Legacy Cemented

Messi’s performance in the final has been widely praised by sports analysts and fellow players. “This is the pinnacle of his career,” said former Brazil striker Ronaldo, speaking to ESPN. “He’s proven that he can win the biggest trophy in football.”

The victory also marks Argentina’s first World Cup title since 1986, when Diego Maradona led the team to glory. Messi, who was 24 at the time, has now matched Maradona’s achievement as both a player and a leader. “This is for the whole country,” Messi said after the match, according to BBC Sport.

Penalty Shootout Drama

The penalty shootout was a test of nerves for both teams. Argentina’s Messi, Álvarez, and Rodrigo De Paul scored their kicks, while France’s Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann missed. Martínez’s saves of Mbappé and Griezmann’s penalties were pivotal, as noted by The Guardian. France’s goalkeeper, Steve Mandanda, also saved a penalty from Álvarez but could not prevent the loss.

Argentina’s victory was celebrated across the globe, with fans in Buenos Aires and beyond flooding the streets in joy. The win also elevated Messi’s status as a global icon, with brands and media outlets hailing him as a footballing legend.

What’s Next for Argentina and France?

Argentina’s triumph has sparked discussions about the team’s future, with many calling for the squad to be retained for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Meanwhile, France faces the challenge of rebuilding after losing their second consecutive World Cup final, following their 2018 victory.

For Messi, the win is a fitting conclusion to his career, though he has not yet confirmed whether he will retire from international football. “I’ve given everything for this team,” Messi said, according to Sky Sports. “We’ll see what the future holds.”

The 2022 World Cup will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in history, with Messi’s triumph serving as a defining moment in football history.