FIFA World Cup Winners (2022)

Lore & Background

The 2022 final was Argentina's sixth World Cup final. Argentina took the lead through Lionel Messi from the penalty spot, and doubled their advantage with an Ángel Di María goal in the 36th minute. France made two substitutions in the first half, but went into half-time trailing 0–2. Despite not having a shot until after the 80th minute, France were awarded a penalty after Randal Kolo Muani was brought down in the area. Kylian Mbappé converted the penalty for France, and added a second goal less than two minutes later to level the score. Since regulation time ended with the score 2–2, the match went to extra time. Messi again scored for Argentina in the 108th minute to restore Argentina's lead. However, Mbappé was then awarded a second penalty in the 118th minute after his initial shot hit the arm of Argentine defender Gonzalo Montiel. Mbappé converted the penalty to again tie the game, becoming the second ever player to score a hat-trick in the final of a men's World Cup. With extra time concluding and the score at 3–3, the match went to a penalty shoot-out; Argentina emerged victorious after scoring all of their penalties, winning the shoot-out 4–2.

In Their Own Story

The air in Lusail hung heavy with humidity and forty years of history. In the tunnel, Messi tightened his captain's armband one last time, the fabric worn soft from decades shouldering a nation's dreams. As they stepped onto the pitch, the roar of the *Albiceleste* faithful swallowed all other sound. When Di María sliced through the defense for that early opener, a collective exhale swept the stadium—a momentary release of tension. But football is cruel; Kylian Mbappé’s twin strikes in extra time shattered the dream twice over, leaving the players gasping under the blinding floodlights, the scoreline suddenly tied once more. Then came the shootout. The silence was absolute, broken only by the rhythmic thud of hearts as Emiliano Martínez walked to his mark, eyes locked on the French strikers with predatory focus. One by one, drama unfolded until the final kick sailed wide, saved by *Dibu*. As the referee's whistle pierced the night, the stadium exploded into a sea of light blue and white. Messi collapsed to his knees, tears cutting paths through the dust on his face, finally unburdened by history. The golden trophy was lifted not just by a man, but by an entire country that had waited forty years for this singular, perfect moment.

Reader's Guide

Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory was their third title, following wins in 1978 (as host) and 1986 (in Mexico). The 2022 final was played in Qatar, not on home soil.

Did You Know?

• Argentina's 2022 World Cup win was their first title since 1986.
• Lionel Messi scored twice in the 2022 final, including a penalty in extra time.
• The penalty shoot-out ended 4–2 in favor of Argentina.
• Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final, becoming the second player to do so in a men's World Cup final.