The 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar was not just a football match; it was the ultimate drama, a rollercoaster of emotions, and a clash of eras. With Lionel Messi spearheading the attack for Argentina and Kylian Mbappé propelling France, then the defending champions, what took place on 18 December 2022 was just pure football for 120 minutes, concluding with the most thrilling penalty shootout ever. For many, this was beyond being a final; it was the greatest final ever played.
A Dream Start for Argentina
From the first whistle, Argentina looked impatient. Their tactics were straightforward: press the French defense hard, keep possession, and deliver the ball down the sidelines. It seemed to be working well for them. At the 23rd minute, Ángel Di María stormed into the French penalty box and was fouled by Ousmane Dembélé. The referee awarded a penalty. Lionel Messi stepped up and, displaying great composure, slotted the ball past the keeper to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.
Much later, in the 36th minute, Argentina hit again. Di María rifled home the finish to a flowing counterattack and an excellent team move to make it 2-0. The Albiceleste were flying, and the French, really, seemed shell-shocked. France hardly had any opportunities in the first half, with Didier Deschamps forced into two early substitutions before half-time.
The Mbappé Storm
For over 70 minutes, it looked like Argentina would cruise to a comfortable victory. But football, as it often does, had other plans. With just ten minutes to go, France were awarded a penalty after Randal Kolo Muani was fouled in the box. Kylian Mbappé converted it with confidence, bringing the score to 2-1.
What happened next stunned the world. Just 97 seconds after his first goal, Mbappé struck again. A quick one-two pass found him in space, and he volleyed the ball into the corner. In less than two minutes, France were level at 2-2. The momentum had swung completely. Suddenly, it was Argentina who looked shaken.
Extra Time Drama
With the match tied at full-time, extra time beckoned. Both teams were exhausted, but neither gave an inch. In the 108th minute, Messi once again delivered. After a scramble in the box, Lautaro Martínez’s shot was saved, but Messi was there to tap in the rebound. 3-2 to Argentina. Joy erupted in the stadium. Di María was seen in tears on the bench.
But the drama wasn’t over yet.
In the 118th minute, France were awarded another penalty after a handball by Gonzalo Montiel. Mbappé stepped up once more. With nerves of steel, he completed his hat-trick—the first in a World Cup final since Geoff Hurst in 1966. The score was now 3-3.
Just seconds before the final whistle, France nearly stole the win. Kolo Muani raced through on goal, but Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made a heroic save. One final chance for Argentina saw Lautaro Martínez miss a header by inches. The match would be decided by penalties.
The Shootout
Penalty shootouts are cruel and glorious in equal measure. For Argentina, it was a moment to finally break free of past heartbreaks. Messi calmly scored the first. France missed two crucial kicks – Kingsley Coman’s shot was saved and Aurélien Tchouaméni` fired wide. Argentina, on the other hand, kept their composure.
Gonzalo Montiel, who had conceded the handball penalty minutes earlier, stepped up for the decisive kick. He sent it into the bottom corner. Argentina had won 4-2 on penalties.
The celebrations were wild. Messi dropped to his knees, surrounded by teammates. Tears flowed freely, from players, coaches, and fans.
Messi vs. Mbappé: The Generational Duel
This final was also a symbolic passing of the torch. Lionel Messi, at 35, played like a man possessed, scoring twice and leading by example. He became the first player to score in every knockout round of a single World Cup and was awarded the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player.
Kylian Mbappé, only 23, scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final—an extraordinary feat. He won the Golden Boot with 8 goals and showed the world that he is ready to be the face of football’s future.
Their contrasting styles—Messi’s vision and control versus Mbappé’s explosive pace and finishing—created a fascinating narrative. Both elevated the game, and their duel will be remembered for generations.
Key Stats at a Glance
- Final Score: Argentina 3-3 France (Argentina won 4-2 on penalties)
- Goals: Messi (2), Di María (1) | Mbappé (3)
- Possession: Argentina 54%, France 46%
- Shots on Target: Argentina 10, France 5
- Pass Accuracy: Argentina 84%, France 78%
- Man of the Match: Lionel Messi
- First Hat-trick in a Final Since 1966: Mbappé
- Third World Cup Title for Argentina (1978, 1986, 2022)
Emotional Peaks and Turning Points
Few finals have seen so many emotional shifts:
- Di María’s goal and tears on the bench.
- Mbappé’s rapid double shifting the energy.
- Messi’s extra-time goal bringing Argentina to the brink.
- Mbappé’s late penalty, defying destiny.
- Martínez’s last-second save.
- The final whistle after the shootout, confirming Argentina’s victory.
Every twist, every goal, every near miss felt like a movie scene. Fans around the world regardless of their nationality, were captivated.
Why It’s Called the “Greatest Final Ever”
This final had everything:
- A star-studded lineup.
- Six goals in open play.
- A hat-trick in a final.
- A penalty shootout.
- Shifting momentum and heroic performances.
- Messi’s storybook ending.
- Mbappé’s unstoppable brilliance.
Even neutral fans were on the edge of their seats. It was a final that combined tactics, emotion, skill, and narrative all in one unforgettable night.
A Night Etched in History
For Argentina, this was redemption and glory. For Messi, it was the final piece of his legacy. For Mbappé, it was a coming-of-age performance that showed the world he’s here to dominate the future.
More than just football, Argentina vs. France was a tale of resilience, brilliance, heartbreak, and triumph. And that’s why, on that winter night in Qatar, the world witnessed not just a final—but a final for the ages