On Sunday in Qatar, France and Argentina faced off to determine the winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In a tournament full of upsets, it came as no surprise to most soccer fans to see Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe taking the stage at the final. After phenomenal play from the likes of Japan and Morocco, there was plenty to talk about before play even began for the quarterfinal round. It was a World Cup that will be remembered for a long time and talked about for even longer. It is safe to say this World Cup win solidifies the legacy of Lionel Messi.
Argentina In the Driver’s Seat
Argentina controlled the vast majority of the match. Goals by Messi in the 23rd minute and Di Maria in the 35th had France down 2-0 at the half. The second half became a different story altogether for both sides. It took until the 80th minute for France to get on the board. Thanks to Kylian Mbappe via a penalty kick. Only 60 seconds later, Mbappe had his second of the match to make it even at two goals each. It would stay even at the full-time whistle. Giving the 4 billion people tuned in an extra 30 minutes minimum of extra time.
The extra time between the two sides would see Argentina pull ahead in the 108th minute. Sending its fans into a frenzy as Messi managed to score his second of the match. The celebration was cut short as Mbappe completed the first hat trick in World Cup history in the 118th minute to pull France level with Argentina. After the whistle blew at the end of extra time, it was all evened up 3-3. The World Cup would be decided in a penalty kick shootout. Argentina would lock in and score on all 4 of their attempts and hold France to 2 to win the 2022 World Cup.
Messi Solidifying His Legacy
With 3 total goals in the match (2 in regulation/extra time and 1 in the penalty kick shootout), Lionel Messi finally got his first World Cup. With a professional career spanning over 18 years, this World Cup win solidifies the legacy of Lionel Messi as one of the greatest players of all time. Many congratulations to Argentina for winning and France for making a strong attempt at a repeat. Time to look ahead to 2026, when the World Cup will be in North America.
Austin is the host of The Attacking Third (Tuesday nights at 9 pm). His passion for soccer started in the early 2000s because of his brother and father’s influence. He is a dedicated fan of all Philly sports and also is a fan of gaming.
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