Argentina Vs France: World Cup Final 2022 Highlights

Hey guys! Ready to relive one of the most epic World Cup finals ever? The Argentina vs. France match in 2022 was an absolute rollercoaster, a game for the ages. If you missed it or just want to experience the thrill again, you're in the right place. Let's dive into the full match highlights and break down why this final will be talked about for decades!

A Clash of Titans: Pre-Match Buzz

Before the whistle even blew, the atmosphere was electric. Argentina, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, were hungry to end their World Cup drought. Messi, in what was likely his last World Cup appearance, was determined to lift the trophy that had eluded him throughout his illustrious career. The hopes of a nation rested on his shoulders, and the pressure was immense. On the other side, France, the defending champions, boasted a team brimming with talent, spearheaded by the phenomenal Kylian Mbappé. Mbappé, already a World Cup winner at a young age, was eager to prove himself as the best player in the world and lead France to back-to-back titles. The pre-match discussions were all about Messi vs. Mbappé, a battle between two generations of footballing superstars. Experts debated tactics, predicted outcomes, and analyzed every possible scenario. The world held its breath in anticipation of what was to come. The stadium was a sea of colors, with Argentine and French fans creating a vibrant and passionate atmosphere. The air was thick with excitement, and you could feel the energy pulsating through the crowd. Even those watching from home could sense the magnitude of the occasion. This wasn't just a game; it was a moment in history.

First Half Domination: Argentina's Ascendancy

The first half was all Argentina. They came out firing on all cylinders, dominating possession and pressing France relentlessly. In the 23rd minute, Ángel Di María won a penalty after a clumsy challenge from Ousmane Dembélé. Messi stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the net, sending the Argentine fans into raptures. The stadium erupted in a cacophony of cheers and applause, as Messi celebrated with his teammates. Argentina's confidence soared, and they continued to control the game. In the 36th minute, Argentina struck again with a brilliant counter-attack. Di María, who was a constant threat down the left wing, finished off a flowing move with a composed finish. The Argentine players embraced in celebration, knowing they were in a commanding position. France, on the other hand, looked shell-shocked. They struggled to cope with Argentina's intensity and creativity, and their star players were largely anonymous. Mbappé was well-marshaled by the Argentine defense, and Griezmann, usually a key creative outlet, was unable to make an impact. At halftime, the score was 2-0 to Argentina, and it looked like they were cruising to victory. The Argentine fans were in full voice, chanting and singing in celebration of their team's performance. The French fans, however, were stunned into silence, wondering how their team could turn things around.

Mbappé's Magic: France's Stunning Comeback

Then, the second half happened, and it was insane! For a long time, it looked like Argentina would win easily, but Mbappé had other ideas. In the 79th minute, he scored a penalty after a foul on Kolo Muani. Suddenly, France had a lifeline. And just a minute later, Mbappé scored an absolute screamer, a volley that left everyone speechless. The game was tied 2-2 in the blink of an eye! The momentum had completely shifted, and France were now on top. The French fans were ecstatic, their hopes renewed by Mbappé's brilliance. The Argentine fans, on the other hand, were in disbelief, wondering how their team had let their lead slip away so quickly. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with both sets of fans creating a deafening roar. The final minutes of the game were frantic, with both teams pushing for a winner. Messi had a couple of chances, but Lloris, the French goalkeeper, was equal to the task. Mbappé continued to threaten, but the Argentine defense held firm. As the final whistle blew, the score remained 2-2, and the game went into extra time. Everyone watching knew they had just witnessed something truly special, a comeback for the ages.

Extra Time Drama: Twists and Turns

Extra time was just as crazy. In the 108th minute, Messi appeared to have sealed the win for Argentina, tapping in after Lloris saved from Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine fans went wild, believing that the trophy was finally theirs. But France refused to give up. In the 118th minute, Mbappé completed his hat-trick with another penalty after a handball by Montiel. It was 3-3! Mbappé became only the second player in World Cup history to score a hat-trick in the final, emulating Geoff Hurst's feat in 1966. The tension was unbearable. The players were exhausted, both physically and mentally, but they continued to battle for every ball. The final minutes of extra time were filled with near misses and desperate tackles. Kolo Muani had a golden opportunity to win the game for France, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Emiliano Martínez. As the final whistle blew, the score remained 3-3, and the game went to a penalty shootout. The fate of the World Cup would be decided by the nerve of a few individuals.

Penalty Shootout: Argentina's Triumph

The penalty shootout was agonizing. Mbappé scored first for France, and Messi replied for Argentina. Coman and Dybala both scored, but then Tchouaméni missed for France. Montiel then stepped up and scored the winning penalty for Argentina! Argentina had won the World Cup! The celebrations were wild and emotional. Messi finally had his hands on the trophy he had craved for so long. The Argentine players and fans erupted in joy, their dreams finally realized. The scenes of jubilation were unforgettable, as the players lifted Messi onto their shoulders and paraded him around the stadium. The victory was a testament to Argentina's resilience, determination, and unwavering belief. They had overcome numerous obstacles throughout the tournament and had emerged victorious against all odds. For France, it was a bitter defeat. They had fought valiantly, but they had fallen just short. Mbappé's hat-trick was a remarkable achievement, but it was not enough to secure the victory. The French players were heartbroken, but they could hold their heads high knowing that they had given their all.

Key Moments and Talking Points

• Messi's masterclass: This World Cup was always about Messi, and he delivered. He scored crucial goals, provided assists, and led his team with unwavering determination. His performance in the final was a fitting culmination of his incredible career. This victory cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Messi's influence on the game extended beyond his goals and assists. He inspired his teammates with his work ethic and his unwavering belief. He was a true leader, both on and off the field. His presence on the pitch elevated the performance of the entire team. Messi's journey to World Cup glory was a long and arduous one, filled with heartbreak and disappointment. But he never gave up on his dream, and his perseverance was finally rewarded.
• Mbappé's brilliance: What can you say? A hat-trick in a World Cup final is just insane. He's a true superstar and will be back for more, that's for sure. Despite being on the losing side, Mbappé's performance was one for the ages. He showcased his incredible speed, skill, and finishing ability. His hat-trick was a testament to his determination and his unwavering belief in his team. Mbappé's impact on the game was undeniable, and he proved that he is a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. At just 23 years old, he has already achieved so much, and he has the potential to become one of the greatest players of all time.
• Argentina's tactics: Argentina's game plan was spot on. They neutralized France's key players and exploited their weaknesses. Scaloni, the Argentine coach, deserves immense credit for his tactical acumen and his ability to motivate his players. He masterminded a game plan that allowed Argentina to dominate the first half and withstand France's comeback in the second half. Scaloni's leadership was instrumental in Argentina's success. He created a cohesive and united team that was willing to fight for each other. He fostered a strong team spirit and instilled a belief in his players that they could achieve anything.
• The refereeing: Some of the penalty decisions were definitely debatable and caused a lot of controversy online. The refereeing in the final was a major talking point. Some of the decisions were questionable, and they had a significant impact on the outcome of the game. The awarding of penalties, in particular, was subject to much debate. Some felt that the penalties were justified, while others argued that they were too soft. The referee's performance was heavily scrutinized, and his decisions were analyzed from every angle. The controversy surrounding the refereeing added another layer of drama to an already captivating final.

Final Thoughts: A World Cup Classic

The 2022 World Cup final was more than just a game; it was a spectacle, a thriller, and a true classic. The drama, the twists, the turns – it had everything. Whether you're an Argentina fan, a France fan, or just a lover of the beautiful game, this is a match you'll never forget. So, there you have it, guys! The full match highlights and a recap of all the key moments. What a final! What a tournament! Football, eh? Never fails to deliver. Until next time!