Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, defeating France in the final on December 18, 2022. This title ended a 36-year drought for Argentina, marking their third World Cup trophy. Messi’s performance earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, according to FIFA.
How did Argentina win the 2022 World Cup?
Argentina secured the championship after a 3-3 draw against France in the final, winning 4-2 in a penalty shootout. Messi scored two goals in the match and converted his penalty during the shootout. The victory followed a dominant group stage and knockout run where Argentina’s tactical setup under manager Lionel Scaloni prioritized a cohesive midfield and a high-pressing defense.
What are Lionel Messi’s World Cup records?
Messi became the first player to score in every knockout round of a single World Cup tournament. According to ESPN, he finished the 2022 tournament with seven goals. This achievement solidified his status as one of the most decorated players in football history, adding a World Cup title to his record-breaking number of Ballon d’Or awards.
Why was the 2022 victory significant for Argentina?
The win ended a long period of frustration for the national team, which had not won the trophy since 1986 under Diego Maradona. The 2022 triumph was viewed as the culmination of Messi’s international career, resolving the long-standing pressure from fans and media in Argentina for him to achieve the same success with the national team as he did at the club level with FC Barcelona and later Paris Saint-Germain.
Comparing Argentina’s 1986 and 2022 Triumphs
| Feature | 1986 World Cup | 2022 World Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Key Figure | Diego Maradona | Lionel Messi |
| Final Opponent | West Germany | France |
| Result | 3-2 Victory | 3-3 (4-2 on penalties) |
| Host Nation | Mexico | Qatar |
What happens next for Messi’s international career?
Following the World Cup, Messi continued to represent Argentina in the Copa América and World Cup qualifying matches. While he now plays for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, he remains a central figure for the national team as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
- Date: December 18, 2022
- Venue: Lusail Stadium, Qatar
- Score: Argentina 3-3 France (Argentina wins 4-2 on penalties)
- Messi’s Contribution: 2 goals in regular/extra time, 1 penalty