The 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France stands out as one of the wildest matches in sports history. Played at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on December 18, 2022, the game delivered a staggering 3-3 draw after extra time before Argentina claimed a 4-2 victory in a penalty shootout. Lionel Messi finally captured the elusive World Cup trophy, while Kylian Mbappé scored a historic hat-trick that nearly carried France to back-to-back titles.
If you want to relive the tactical shifts, individual brilliance, and chaotic swings of momentum, let's break down how this epic showdown unfolded.
First Half: Argentina's Tactical Masterclass
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni surprised many with his starting lineup, deploying Ángel Di María on the left wing. The tactical gamble paid off immediately. France looked lethargic, struggling to cope with Argentina's relentless high press and crisp passing sequences in midfield.
In the 21st minute, Di María drifted into the penalty area and drew a clumsy foul from Ousmane Dembélé. Lionel Messi stepped up and coolly slotted home the penalty, sending Hugo Lloris the wrong way.
Just minutes later, Argentina struck again with a textbook counter-attack. Alexis Mac Allister burst forward and squared a pass across the box for Di María, who finished past Lloris to make it 2-0. By halftime, France had failed to register a single shot or corner, forcing manager Didier Deschamps into a double substitution before the break.
Second Half: Mbappé's Stunning One-Man Show
For nearly eighty minutes, Argentina coasted on their two-goal cushion, limiting France to speculative efforts. But soccer can change in a heartbeat.
In the 79th minute, Randal Kolo Muani was brought down in the box by Nicolás Otamendi. Mbappé converted the resulting penalty, though Emiliano Martínez nearly kept it out. Just ninety seconds later, Mbappé combined brilliantly with Marcus Thuram before unleashing a ferocious volley past Martínez to equalize at 2-2.
Suddenly, the momentum swung entirely toward Les Bleus. Mbappé terrorized the Argentine defense, and only a crucial stoppage-time save by Martínez prevented a French winner before regulation time expired.
Extra Time and Penalty Shootout Drama
Extra time offered even more chaos. Argentina regained the lead in the 108th minute when Lautaro Martínez forced a save from Lloris, and Messi pounced on the rebound, bundling it over the line despite Jules Koundé's desperate clearance.
With victory seemingly secure, France mounted one final charge. In the 117th minute, Mbappé's long-range strike hit Gonzalo Montiel's outstretched arm inside the box. Mbappé converted the penalty to complete only the second hat-trick in a World Cup final, tying the match at 3-3.
Moments before the final whistle, Kolo Muani found himself clean through on goal, but Martínez produced a legendary, sprawling save with his left foot to force penalties.
In the shootout:
- Mbappé and Messi both converted their opening kicks.
- Emiliano Martínez saved Kingsley Coman's penalty, and Aurélien Tchouaméni missed wide.
- Gonzalo Montiel stepped up to slot home the winning kick, sealing a 4-2 shootout triumph and sparking wild celebrations across Buenos Aires and the globe.
For complete match archives and official video recaps, you can explore the FIFA Match Centre and the AFA Official Website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the goals in the 2022 World Cup final?
Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina (including a penalty) alongside Ángel Di María, while Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick for France (including two penalties). Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive penalty in the shootout.
How many times has Argentina won the World Cup?
With their victory in Qatar, Argentina secured their third World Cup title in history, adding to their previous triumphs in 1978 and 1986.
Was Lionel Messi awarded the Golden Ball?
Yes, Messi received the Golden Ball award as the best player of the tournament after scoring seven goals and providing three assists during Argentina's championship run.
Why was Emiliano Martínez's save against Kolo Muani so crucial?
Occurring in the final moments of extra time with the score tied 3-3, Martínez's 1v1 foot save denied a certain winner for France, keeping Argentina alive and forcing the match into penalties where they ultimately prevailed.
