Argentina won the 2022 World Cup Final in Qatar after beating France on penalties following the best final in living memory. It was Argentina’s third World Cup triumph, but it’s their first since 1986, while France missed the chance to join the elite club of teams that have successfully defended their title.
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World Cup Final: Messi vs Mbappé
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé were the featured players in the final. Both were, nevertheless, ultimately the most significant participants. After Ousmane Dembélé shoved Angel Di Maria into the penalty area, Argentina took the lead thanks to their quicker start. That gave the referee a simple decision, and he awarded the spot kick, which Messi rolled past Hugo Lloris in the French goal. Messi’s flick set up the second goal, including Alexis MacAllister and Julian Alvárez, before D. Maria finished it.
France’s lacklustre performance in the first half
France was second best in every department. However, their manager was so upset by what he was seeing. So, he decided to hook both Dembélé and Olivier Giroud before halftime and move Mbappé into a more central position. It had no immediate impact, and the French did not even manage a shot on goal until the 67th minute.
Mbappé’s equalizer sends the game into extra time.
Suddenly, France had a lifeline when Nicolas Otamendi’s clumsy challenge on Kolo Muani in the box resulted in a penalty of their own. Mbappé duly converted from the spot. Within 97 seconds, they were level. Mbappé met a cross from the right with a magnificent volley off the outside of his right foot. All of a sudden, France tried to win, but Argentina held on during the time still left in standard time.
Messi’s crucial goal puts Argentina back in the lead.
That meant extra time, but both teams continued to press forward. However, it was Messi who bundled his team back in front in the 108th minute, when Lloris could not hold a fierce shot. Not satisfied to stop there, Mbappé scored his second penalty following Gonzalo Montiel’s dismissal for an illegal challenge. That meant penalties, and while Mbappé and Messi both converted, the French supporting cast let them down.
Messi was named Player of the Tournament and won the Golden Boot:
Kingsley Coman saw his effort saved by Emi Martnez, while Aurélien Tchouaméni wasted his shot wide. Montiel had to make up for his mistake by helping his country win the World Cup, which he did. Messi won the World Cup final and was named Player of the Tournament. Additionally, he earned the Golden Boot and cemented his legacy. Mbappé’s consolation prize was to win the Golden Boot for the top scorer in this year’s World Cup. He finished with eight goals, one more than Messi.
Deschamps later blamed his team’s lackluster performance in the first half of the match on illness. He had ravaged the French camp on the eve of the game, but that should not detract from Argentina’s and Messi’s achievements. Follow Tech Talk Today for the latest sports news, opinions, and reviews. Our team of experts is always available to provide you with the most recent reviews of your favorite sports.
