Argentina lifted FIFA World Cup Trophy 2022, to become the third team in the world to win three or more World Cups after Brazil (five times), Germany (four times) and Italy (four times).
Lionel Messi finally got to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy after having come close in 2014, where they lost to Germany in the finals.
In a high scoring match, Argentina led 2-0 before France equalised. Argentina then went ahead again 3-2. France equalised again and with the score 3-3, the match went to penalties, which Argentina won 4-2.
The first half was dominated by Argentina, as France could not have any meaningful possession or shot on goal.
Argentina seemed to be playing with greater intent and plan.
A fresh Angel Di Maria constantly troubled France in the left flank.
Di Maria earned a penalty when he dribbled past Dambele, and in the ensuing play, was tripped by Dambele inside the penalty box.
Messi converted from the spot by sending French keeper Lloris the wrong way.
WHAT. A. MOMENT. pic.twitter.com/7b7cWNdTfn
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
Shortly after that, Messi made an exquisite two touch pass to Alvarez, who passed the ball on to McAllister.
Mc Allister ran towards the penalty box and made a cross pass to an unmarked Di Maria who scored Argentina’s second goal.
What a performance! 👏 pic.twitter.com/M1e2tocwrr
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
Argentina went into the break 2-0 up.
Argentina continued to dominate possession after the break, but could not increase their lead.
Mbappe had his first shot of target around the 71st minute, when he shot way above the cross bar.
France did not show any sign of a comeback and the match was looking one-sided till a break when Otamendi committed a foul and France was awarded a penalty.
Mbappe converted the spot kick with a powerful shot beating keeper Martinez for pace, who appeared to have got some hand to it.
Mbappe scored a scorcher when he made a powerful volley shot to equalise for France within two minutes of the first goal.
🎯🇫🇷#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/YiIrLvQtuy
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
The match momentum had swung France’s way.
As the score stood at 2-2, the match went into extra time.
In the second half of extra time, Lautaro Fernandez made a powerful shot on goal which was saved by keeper Lloris. However, Messi was there to pounce on the rebound.
An incredible and unforgettable goal 🇦🇷#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
Messi scored from the rebound with his right foot, and with minutes to go, it appeared that Argentina has finally won the world cup.
Mbappe had other ideas though and with three minutes to go, made a run towards the Argentina box and released a powerful shot on target. The shot was blocked but off the arm of the defender and the referee pointed to the spot.
Mbappe converted again with a powerful shot.
Simply incredible. #FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/5ia2birSn3
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
Mbappe scored a hattrick in the World Cup finals and taken his tally to seven goals in this year’s edition, one more than Messi.
Emiliano Maritnez, the Argentine keeper, made the final save to deny France, when he saved a shot from Kolo Muani in the last minute.
The score stood at 3-3 and went to the penalties.
France was the first to take the kick from the spot.
Mbappe scored for France and Messi followed suit for Argentina.
Coman’s shot to the right was saved by E. Martinez, while Dybala scored to give Argentina a 2-1 lead.
Tchouameni then sent his shot off target and Paredes scored as Argentina took a strong 3-1 lead.
Kolo Muani converted as France drew near again trailing 2-3.
However, Gonzalo Montiel scored his penalty as Argentina took an unassailable 4-2 lead to win the penalties.
Argentina, one of the favourites, finally won the match after leading three times in the night, to win FIFA World Cup 2022.
Lionel Messi, who is considered one of the greatest footballers of all times, but whose trophy cabinet is missing FIFA World Cup Trophy, had his moment of glory.
Messi captained Argentina to become World Champions. Additionally, he became the only player to score in all the knock-out rounds his team played. With seven goals and three assists, the Argentine captain Lionel Messi was also adjudged the Player of the Tournament.
In the battle for the golden boot, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe were tied 5-5 coming into the game.
Lionel Messi led the top scorer chart with six goals and Argentina 2-0 up; till Mbappe overtook his tally with a brace to lead at seven goals, as France drew level 2-2.
Messi scored in the extra time to draw level at seven each with Mbappe. However, Mbappe scored yet again to go 8-7 up and win the golden boot award.
The @adidas Golden Boot Award goes to Kylian Mbappe! 👏#Qatar2022‘s top goalscorer 📊
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
Argentina’s Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who had a magnificent World Cup, making numerous critical saves in both open play and in penalty shoot-outs, won the Golden Glove award.
Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez who is 21 years old and plays as a defensive midfielder was awarded the Young Player award. He had scored one goal and provided one assist, apart from his midfield and defensive contributions.
