Argentina vs France 2022 World Cup Final - A Match for the Ages

Argentina vs France: A World Cup Final for the Ages

The 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France was an instant classic that will go down as one of the greatest matches in World Cup history. Played on December 18, 2022 at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the match featured two footballing giants competing to be crowned world champions.

The Buildup to the Final

Expectations were sky high leading up to the final. Argentina were led by Lionel Messi, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, who was seeking to win his first ever World Cup title. France were the defending champions, boasting a stacked squad including Kylian Mbappé, the tournament's leading goal scorer.

This was a matchup for the ages - Messi trying to cement his legacy versus Mbappé and France looking to defend their crown. Argentina came into the final after thrilling victories over the Netherlands and Croatia, while France narrowly edged past Morocco. All signs pointed to an epic battle.

A Tight and Tense First Half

The first half was characterized by intense defending, cautious play, and few clear scoring chances. Both teams seemed wary of overcommitting and getting hit on the counterattack. Messi and Mbappé lurked menacingly but found little space to operate.

Argentina had a couple of half chances through Messi and Julián Álvarez but failed to seriously test French keeper Hugo Lloris. France's best opportunity came on a header from Olivier Giroud that sailed just over the crossbar.

0-0 at halftime was perhaps no surprise given the magnitude of the match. Both finalists were still waiting to make their mark on the game.

Messi's Moment of Magic

In the 65th minute, Messi found the breakthrough for Argentina with a moment of sublime skill. Receiving the ball near the right corner of the penalty area, he feinted past one French defender, danced around another, and unleashed a powerful low shot beyond the reach of Lloris.

The pro-Argentina crowd erupted as Messi's teammates mobbed him in celebration. After so many near misses, he had finally scored a goal in a World Cup final. Argentina had their noses in front, but France was sure to mount a response.

Mbappé Hits Back

France poured numbers forward looking for an equalizer and it arrived in the 80th minute courtesy of who else but Mbappé. Ousmane Dembélé put in an excellent low cross from the right wing and Mbappé got in front of his defender to toe-poke it past Emiliano Martínez.

Suddenly it was 1-1 and the final was headed to extra time. Mbappé, France's star man, had delivered when it mattered most. Messi versus Mbappé was living up to the hype as the match headed into the final minutes.

Extra Time Drama

The additional 30 minutes featured two more twists - one for each side. In the 108th minute, Mbappé blasted a penalty kick - won by Giroud - past Martínez to put France ahead 2-1. It looked as if he had clinched another World Cup for Les Bleus.

But Argentina refused to cave. In the 115th minute, Lionel Messi whipped in a cross that was deflected into his own net by French defender Kingsley Coman. It was 2-2 and penalties would now decide the champion. An already legendary final was becoming more dramatic by the minute.

Penalty Shootout Decides the World Champions

After 120 grueling minutes, the World Cup would be decided from the penalty spot. The shootout featured several masterful stops from both keepers and multiple nerves-of-steel finishes.

But in the end, Argentina prevailed by a score of 4-2. When Mbappé's final penalty was saved by Martínez, Argentina's players and coaches ran onto the field in jubilation. At long last, Lionel Messi had his World Cup trophy after one of the most remarkable individual performances in the tournament's history.

A Final Worthy of the World's Biggest Stage

This Argentina versus France final had everything you could ask for in a World Cup title match. All-time greats Messi and Mbappé battling for supremacy. Shock lead changes and comebacks at the death. The ultimate drama of a penalty shootout. And an iconic, long-awaiting triumph for one of football's greatest-ever players.

It will go down as an all-timer - perhaps even the greatest World Cup final ever played. Argentina against France in Qatar 2022 produced football magic and cemented Messi's legend forever.

FAQs

Who were the two teams in the 2022 World Cup final?

The two teams in the 2022 World Cup final were Argentina and France.

Where was the 2022 World Cup final played?

The 2022 World Cup final was played at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.

What was the final score of the Argentina vs France match?

The final score after extra time was 2-2. Argentina won on penalties by a score of 4-2.

Who scored for each team in the final?

The goal scorers were Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who each scored one goal in normal time. Mbappé scored another goal on a penalty kick in extra time.

How did Lionel Messi perform in the final?

Lionel Messi delivered an iconic performance, scoring one goal in regular time and converting his penalty in the shootout. He was named Man of the Match.