Argentina won their third World Cup in 2022, beating France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest finals in the tournament’s history.
Lionel Messi scored twice and provided the moment that finally completed his career, lifting the trophy that had eluded him for so long.
Argentina were dominant for long spells, Messi converting a first half penalty before Angel Di Maria doubled the lead with a superb team goal, and France barely registered a shot until the 70th minute.
Kylian Mbappe then produced one of the great individual finals performances, converting a penalty before adding a stunning second within two minutes to level the score at 2-2.
Messi restored Argentina’s lead in extra time, only for Mbappe to complete a hat trick from the penalty spot, becoming just the second player in World Cup final history to do so after Geoff Hurst in 1966, and sending the match to penalties.
Argentina held their nerve in the shootout, Emiliano Martinez saving from Kingsley Coman before Gonzalo Montiel converted the winning kick.
The result gave Argentina their first World Cup title since 1986 and denied France back to back titles, with Mbappe’s hat trick earning him the Golden Boot despite finishing on the losing side.
Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
