On December 18, 2022, the world witnessed one of the most epic finals in World Cup history. In the tournament's deciding match, Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, faced defending champions France. It wasn't just a title battle: for Messi, it was a chance to forever etch his name into world football history. From the very first minutes, the Argentines dominated. In the 23rd minute, Lionel Messi opened the scoring by converting a penalty after Angel Di Maria was fouled. The Albiceleste then continued to press, and in the 36th minute, Di Maria produced a brilliant counterattack, doubling Argentina's lead. The game seemed sealed: the Argentines controlled the game, demonstrating excellent teamwork and tactical discipline.
However, as often happens in football, the game can change at any moment. In the second half, the French, led by their star striker Kylian Mbappé, began to show character. In the 80th minute, he converted a penalty awarded for a foul on himself. This was just the beginning. Shortly after, in the 81st minute, Mbappé scored a magnificent goal from open play to level the score. Argentina was in shock. Within minutes, they had lost a two-goal lead, and the tension was mounting. Both clubs began to demonstrate an incredible level of footballing skill, creating moments that left the spectators speechless. The defenders and goalkeepers of both teams played at a high level, but shots were plentiful, and the tension was rising.
The drama reached its peak during extra time. Messi returned to the match, scoring another goal and giving Argentina the lead once again. But Mbappé, like a true champion, did not give up. He scored his hat trick to level the score again, after which the match went to penalties. This moment became a real test for both teams, as every mistake could have cost them the title. In the penalty shootout, luck favored the Argentinians. The hero was goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who managed to block several shots and became a key figure in this decisive moment. Argentina won 4-2, and the joy of the players and fans knew no bounds. Messi finally realized his dream by winning the World Cup, which became a milestone in his career.
This final will be remembered not only for the result, but also for the way both teams displayed character, fighting spirit, and passion for the game. Every player, every action on the pitch, every emotion in the stands is part of the great history of football. This match has become a symbol of how sport can unite people, inspire, and deliver unforgettable moments that will be remembered for many years to come. Argentina, led by Messi, has forever etched its name in the history of the FIFA World Cup, and this final is a shining example of how dreams can come true.
It seemed like the game was already over, but Kylian Mbappé decided otherwise. In the 80th minute, he converted a penalty and, a minute later, scored with a superb volley, leveling the score at 2:2. The final went into extra time, where Messi was once again in the spotlight. In the 108th minute, the Argentinian was the first to finish off Lautaro Martinez's shot and send the ball into the back of the net – 3:2! This goal became a real celebration for the Argentinian fans who filled the stands. They enthusiastically chanted their idol's name, and it seemed that victory was close. Argentina regained the lead and the team began to confidently control the game.
But France, led by Mbappé, were not ready to give up. It was only a few minutes later, in the 118th minute, that Mbappé found himself at the center of the action again. He was brought down in the penalty area and the referee did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot. The French striker approached the ball himself and his confident strike leveled the score again – 3-3. A hat-trick in a World Cup final! It was a historic moment and Mbappé showed that he is ready to take charge in the most important moments.
The end of the match was tense. Both teams understood that what was at stake was not just a trophy, but a place in football history. Every moment, every attack could be decisive. Argentina tried to prevent the French from capitalizing on their success and regaining the initiative, but the French defenders, led by Raphaël Varane, showed incredible resilience. Finally, the final whistle sounded a draw, and the match went to penalties. It was a true lottery, with each team hoping for luck. Argentina, led by Martinez, who had become the goalkeeper's main hope, seemed confident, but the pressure on the players was enormous.
Messi took the first penalty and didn't disappoint: the ball flew into the net. The French counterattack was unsuccessful, with Martinez making a brilliant save. The Argentinians' next shot was also accurate, and the team quickly took the lead. Mbappé, who had just scored three goals in the match, headed for the ball, but his shot was saved by the Argentinian goalkeeper. With each shot, the tension increased. Argentina trailed until the final kick, and the player who came on knew the responsibility rested on his shoulders. The shot was accurate, and the stands erupted in joy. Argentina won the penalty shootout 4-2 and became world champions once again. This victory was the culmination of a long journey filled with hardship and overcoming challenges.
During the penalty shootout, Messi converted his shot with composure, and Emiliano Martinez became the hero by saving the decisive penalty. Argentina won (4-2 on penalties), and Messi finally lifted the World Cup! This final was a defining moment in Messi's career, and his performance proved that he is a true leader capable of leading a team to greatness. This victory not only cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time, but also made the entire country proud of its team once again. Argentina, which had long sought the path to success, finally returned to the top of world football.
Watching their idol lift the World Cup is a moment fans will remember for the rest of their lives. Every player on the team, from the goalkeeper to the forwards, knew they were part of history. Messi, who had always dreamed of winning the World Cup, finally achieved his dream. His path to victory wasn't easy: he experienced many disappointments on the international stage, including the Copa America and World Cup finals. But it was this moment that became the highlight of his career. Not only did he become the tournament's top scorer, but he also proved himself to be an exceptional leader who inspired his teammates in the most difficult moments.
