Argentina beat France on penalties 4-2 to claim their third World Cup title after arguably the greatest final ever. Following this win, football enthusiasts worldwide congratulated Lionel Messi on his maiden victory and applauded Kylian Mbappe's fighting spirit.
And this is why we call it a beautiful game!
The Qatar World Cup 2022 final between Argentina and France was expected to be a thriller, and the players delivered in front of a packed Lusail Stadium in Doha on Sunday. Lionel Messi and Co. had the last laugh as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties to claim their third World Cup title after arguably the greatest final ever.
A final that saw the last time Argentinian legend Messi would grace football's grandest stage, while fans also witnessed the rise and rise of French sensation Kylian Mbappe, whose hat-trick proved why he is already a G.O.A.T.
It's a game you'll never forget 🤩
🇦🇷 Watch the highlights as Messi guided Argentina to their third title!
There were 63 matches before the grand finale, but none even got close to the drama and excitement of the 120 minutes football lovers were treated to on Sunday.
Messi's penalty and Angel Di Mara's sensational counterattack goal gave Argentina a first-half lead they merited after a quick start and seemingly out-of-reach performance. However, Mbappe's late 90-second double sent the game into overtime.
These important championship games typically end in a draw in overtime because neither team is willing to take a risk. However, not this one.
Messi scored from close range for his second of the game, which appeared to give the South Americans the victory.
We weren't finished there, though.
With four minutes left, France was awarded another penalty as Mbappe completed his hat-trick. The Frenchman forced this match into penalties, becoming just the second player to accomplish it in a World Cup final after Geoff Hurst in 1966.
Argentina settled for the penalty kicks after 120 minutes of mayhem, and they triumphed 4-2 owing to Montiel's accuracy from 12 yards.
It was not just the best World Cup final but, in its 92-year history, the tournament's greatest-ever game.
The moment when a dream becomes reality 🏆 |
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup)Every member of the Argentina team contributed, but three players made all the difference at Lusail Stadium.
Messi was in charge, scoring twice, including the goal in overtime that appeared to seal Argentina's victory.
But it wasn't just the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's goals that helped La Albiceleste lift the coveted trophy. He rose to the occasion with his leadership, vision, the timing of his passes and how he controlled his temperament.
The second player was Angel Di Mara, who had only participated in 10 minutes of knockout soccer in this competition but showed up to turn in one of his best-ever displays. Although the Juventus winger's goal in the opening period was among the best at this World Cup, it would have meant nothing without Argentina's third star performer.
Even though goalkeeper Emiliano Martnez has only played 25 times for his nation, he has 20 victories under the Albiceleste jersey and was crucial to this victory. He made a world-class save from Randal Kolo Muani in the final split second of extra time, and he controlled the penalty area for the rest of the championship.
We've found our winner! 🏆 |
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup)Mbappe's fighting spirit and Golden Boot win proves why he is the star of the present and future
There must always be a loser, and this World Cup final features one of the best losers we've ever witnessed in France. With late goals from Mbappe, Les Bleus fulfilled their obligation to force this game into overtime and, ultimately, penalties.
Deschamps' team didn't begin to play until the 75th minute, but they had a man in the Paris Saint-Germain striker who wouldn't let this opportunity pass them by. The 23-year-old sensation scored a hat-trick, becoming just the second player in final history to score three goals, and he also converted his penalty in the shootout.
The Golden Boot Award goes to Kylian Mbappe! 👏's top goalscorer 📊
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup)He now has eight goals for the competition, earning him the Golden Boot trophy and making him the first player to score five goals in the World Cup finals. But given that a virus spread through the French camp last week, there will be a lot of "what ifs" from the defending champs. However, France will return. That much is beyond question.
2026 loading...
Here's a look at how the world reacted to this epic Qatar World Cup 2022 final:
One of the greatest World Cup games of all time. Mbappe was outstanding for France but it was meant to be Lionel Messi’s crowning moment. Congratulations Argentina on becoming the champions.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)Spare a thought for Kylian Mbappe. Greatness embraced him today. But reserved a farewell for Messi.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)GOOSEBUMPS. INCREDIBLE WORLD CUP. MBAPPE AND MESSI PUT ON A SHOW. WTF. pic.twitter.com/WTBq8ylUXZ
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul)Congratulations to Argentina ! One of the best I have ever seen in my life. What a match ! What a match . Messi gets the World Cup & Mbappe gets the golden boot .
— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd)Astonishing. Mbappé and Messi went head to head for two hours and neither of them blinked. Neither of them could have offered anymore, neither can be questioned after this.
— Musa Okwonga (@Okwonga)What a game!!!!! Wow. Messi is a GIANT. But Mbappe is my fave. Felicidades a Argentina. Incroyable effort de la France.
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington)and make it, what a game. Congratulations to on winning probably is the best ever, what a game, what a player. At 23, has achieved more than any other player in pic.twitter.com/CuvgdgHM38
— Rizwan Arshad (@ArshadRizwan)Lionel Messi to Kylian Mbappe after the game pic.twitter.com/15wTHHVCnF
— Action Network Soccer (@ActionNetSoccer)A final for the ages - and , on the day, the right winners. Argentina dominated that game for so long. Travesty had they lost it. Fancy getting a hat trick in the final and losing. Feel for Mbappe on that score. But Messi has given game so much he deserves this crowning moment.
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke)What a beautiful game! Congratulations to Argentina for a thrilling victory. Well played, France.
Both Messi & Mbappé played like true champions! shows yet again how sports unites, sans boundaries! pic.twitter.com/I1xX5ogpwE
Sports, you beautiful life-affirming thing. Thanks , thanks .
(Photo: Molly Darlington / Reuters) pic.twitter.com/0YUrP0pZr5
What a final to watch! Well deserved win for Argentina and Messi. Congratulations Argentina for FIFA World Cup 2022 title.
A huge respect for France and Mbappe for a competitive display of their game. pic.twitter.com/Igf95K3CMa
Thank you Messi and Mbappé for the Greatest World Cup Final EVER! pic.twitter.com/5qCrVGt8II
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII)Congratulations to Argentina for a thrilling victory in the FIFA World Cup 2022 finals. Well played, France.
Both Messi & Mbappé played like true champions! pic.twitter.com/CrwYy6NuGF
MESSI-ahh!!!!
A lifetime of dreaming and performing at the highest level!! Finally rewarded !! A fairy tale ending to an illustrious career👊🏽
Well played , you shined like a star
WHAT A FINAL pic.twitter.com/51Uk8gy0sw
What a game. Worthy of a final. Messi’s moment to remember till infinity. Tough luck Mbappe and France. Congratulations Argentina on winning the pic.twitter.com/0ZskRbFMYf
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad)