Argentina Vs France: All Goals Of The 2022 World Cup Final

The 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France was nothing short of a spectacular thriller. From Lionel Messi's early penalty to Kylian Mbappé's stunning hat-trick, the match was filled with unforgettable moments. This article dives deep into each goal, analyzing the tactics, the players involved, and the sheer emotional rollercoaster that made this final an instant classic. Guys, get ready to relive every heart-stopping moment from this epic showdown!

Argentina's Early Dominance: Messi's Penalty and Di María's Masterpiece

Argentina came out strong, dominating the first half with their tactical setup and individual brilliance. The first goal arrived in the 23rd minute when Ángel Di María was brought down in the box, resulting in a penalty. Lionel Messi stepped up, and with his signature composure, calmly slotted the ball past Hugo Lloris. This goal not only gave Argentina the lead but also set the tone for their initial dominance. Messi's penalty showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure, a trait that has defined his legendary career. The build-up to the penalty was equally impressive, with Argentina's midfielders controlling the tempo and dictating play.

Just when France thought they could regroup, Argentina struck again in the 36th minute with a breathtaking counter-attack. This goal was a testament to Argentina's attacking prowess and teamwork. Di María, who had been a constant threat, finished off a flowing move with a sublime finish. The goal was a result of a swift transition from defense to attack, with every player involved executing their role to perfection. The interplay between Messi, Di María, and Mac Allister was mesmerizing, leaving the French defense completely bamboozled. This goal highlighted Argentina's tactical flexibility and their ability to exploit France's defensive vulnerabilities. It also underscored Di María's importance to the team, as his pace and trickery caused problems for the French throughout the first half. Argentina's second goal was a perfect example of how to execute a counter-attack, and it gave them a comfortable lead going into halftime. The fans in the stadium were ecstatic, and Argentina looked well on their way to lifting the trophy.

Mbappé's Heroics: A Stunning Turnaround

France, however, were not ready to surrender. Trailing by two goals, they needed a spark, and Kylian Mbappé provided just that. In the 79th minute, Mbappé converted a penalty after a foul on Kolo Muani. This goal breathed new life into the French team and ignited their fighting spirit. Mbappé's penalty was a demonstration of his coolness under pressure, as he confidently dispatched the ball into the net. The penalty itself was a controversial decision, but Mbappé's calmness in the face of adversity was admirable.

Then, just two minutes later, Mbappé scored a sensational volley, leveling the score and sending the game into extra time. This goal was a moment of pure brilliance, as Mbappé acrobatically connected with a deflected pass and unleashed an unstoppable shot past Emiliano Martínez. The speed and precision of the volley were simply breathtaking, and it instantly became one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history. Mbappé's two goals in quick succession completely changed the complexion of the game, stunning Argentina and sending the French fans into a frenzy. His heroics showcased his incredible talent and his ability to turn a game on its head in a matter of minutes. Suddenly, France were back in the game, and the momentum had shifted dramatically.

Extra Time Drama: Messi Again, Mbappé's Hat-Trick

The drama continued into extra time. In the 108th minute, Lionel Messi scored again, seemingly putting Argentina back in control. After a shot from Lautaro Martínez was saved, Messi was there to tap in the rebound, sparking wild celebrations among the Argentine players and fans. This goal, initially controversial due to a possible offside, was eventually confirmed by VAR and added another layer of excitement to the already thrilling match. Messi's second goal appeared to be the decisive moment, as Argentina looked set to clinch the title. The goal was a testament to Messi's persistence and his knack for being in the right place at the right time. The Argentine players swarmed him in celebration, believing that they had finally secured the victory.

But the never-say-die attitude of France and Mbappé resurfaced. In the 118th minute, Mbappé completed his hat-trick with another penalty, after a handball inside the box. Mbappé became only the second player in World Cup history to score a hat-trick in a final, a feat previously achieved by Geoff Hurst in 1966. His third goal equalized the score once more and ensured that the game would be decided by a penalty shootout. Mbappé's hat-trick was a remarkable achievement, showcasing his incredible talent and his ability to perform under immense pressure. He became the hero of the French team, dragging them back from the brink of defeat time and time again. The tension in the stadium was palpable, as both teams prepared for the ultimate test of nerve.

Penalty Shootout: Argentina's Triumph

In the penalty shootout, Argentina held their nerve, converting all four of their spot-kicks. Emiliano Martínez, Argentina's goalkeeper, proved to be the hero, saving Kingsley Coman's penalty and unsettling Aurélien Tchouaméni, who missed his attempt. Argentina's composure and Martínez's heroics secured their victory, ending their 36-year wait for a World Cup title. The penalty shootout was a nail-biting affair, with every kick carrying immense pressure. Argentina's players showed incredible mental strength, stepping up and converting their penalties with confidence. Martínez's saves were crucial, as he not only stopped Coman's penalty but also played mind games with the French players. The Argentine fans erupted in joy as Montiel scored the winning penalty, securing their team's place in history.

France, despite Mbappé's brilliance, faltered in the shootout, with key players missing their penalties. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for the French team, who had fought valiantly throughout the match. Mbappé's hat-trick was a remarkable achievement, but it was not enough to secure victory for his team. The French players were visibly distraught after the shootout, but they could hold their heads high knowing that they had given their all. The penalty shootout was a cruel way to decide the final, but it added to the drama and excitement of the match. Argentina's victory was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and individual brilliance, and it marked the end of an era for Lionel Messi, who finally achieved his dream of winning the World Cup.

Conclusion: A Final for the Ages

The Argentina vs. France World Cup final will forever be etched in the annals of football history. The goals, the drama, the twists and turns – it had everything. From Messi's early penalty to Mbappé's hat-trick and Argentina's eventual triumph in the penalty shootout, this match was a rollercoaster of emotions. It was a showcase of the beautiful game at its finest, and it will be remembered for generations to come. Guys, this was truly a final for the ages! The match was a fitting end to a memorable World Cup, and it cemented the legacy of Lionel Messi as one of the greatest players of all time. The celebrations in Argentina were wild and joyous, as the nation celebrated their long-awaited World Cup victory. The players were hailed as heroes, and Messi was finally able to lift the trophy that had eluded him for so long. The Argentina vs. France final will be talked about for years to come, and it will serve as a reminder of the passion, drama, and excitement that makes football the world's most popular sport. Whether you're an Argentina fan or a neutral observer, this final was a spectacle that will stay with you forever. What a game!