Key Takeaways
- The 80th-Minute Tactical Collapse: Argentina’s midfield control, driven by a core of Premier League and La Liga talent, completely unraveled in a 97-second window that shifted all psychological momentum to France.
- Extra-Time Whiplash and Flashpoints: The chaotic 30 minutes of extra time featured a dramatic goal from Lionel Messi, a last-gasp save that denied France victory, and a late penalty that remain heavily debated in football circles today.
- Golden Boot vs. Golden Ball Legacy: Kylian Mbappé’s historic eight-goal tournament, earning him the Golden Boot, and his hat-trick in the final contrast sharply with Lionel Messi’s all-around orchestration, which ultimately secured him the Golden Ball and the World Cup trophy.
The Calm Before the Storm: Setting the Lusail Stage
The 2022 Qatar Final between Argentina and France stands as a modern epic, defined by its dramatic 3-3 scoreline that was ultimately settled by a 4-2 penalty shootout victory for Argentina. For 80 minutes, Argentina executed a tactical masterclass, leading 2-0 before a stunning 97-second brace from Kylian Mbappé forced extra time. The match culminated in Lionel Messi winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, while Mbappé secured the Golden Boot with eight goals, including a hat-trick in the final itself. This chaotic conclusion cemented the match’s place in football history, sparking debates that continue to this day.
As the match kicked off at 11:00 PM (UTC+8), millions of fans settled in for a long night, adjusting their sleep schedules for what was billed as a generational showdown. The humid, late-night air felt thick with anticipation. For over an hour, it seemed like the story would be one of total Argentine dominance. They were not just winning; they were suffocating the reigning champions with a display of midfield superiority rarely seen on such a grand stage.
The engine room for this dominance was powered by players familiar to anyone who follows Europe’s top leagues. Alexis Mac Allister, then of Brighton and now a key figure for Liverpool, operated with precision and intelligence. Alongside him, Enzo Fernández, whose performance earned him a blockbuster move to Chelsea, dictated the tempo, while Manchester City’s Julián Álvarez pressed relentlessly from the front. This trio effectively cut off all supply lines to France’s forwards, making the French team look disjointed and a step behind. The game plan was working to perfection, and with a comfortable 2-0 lead, the trophy seemed destined for Buenos Aires.
The 97-Second Shock: When the Reigning Champions Woke Up
Then, in the 80th minute, everything changed. A clumsy challenge inside the box by Nicolás Otamendi on the substitute Randal Kolo Muani gave France a lifeline. It was a clear penalty, and Kylian Mbappé stepped up to convert it with nerveless power. The goal itself was less significant than the sudden crack it created in Argentina’s composure. The psychological armor they had worn for nearly the entire match had been pierced.
What followed was a moment of pure, unscripted chaos. Just 97 seconds after the penalty, France was level. A quick turnover in midfield saw the ball find Mbappé on the edge of the area. He played a swift one-two before unleashing an unstoppable volley into the far corner. The stadium erupted. The sense of disbelief was palpable, as a match that seemed all but over was suddenly, violently, thrown back into the balance. Argentina’s players looked stunned, their confident swagger replaced by wide-eyed shock.
This dramatic turnaround was fueled by a brilliant tactical adjustment from French manager Didier Deschamps. Earlier in the match, he had made the bold decision to substitute veterans Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembélé before halftime, bringing on the youthful energy of Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani. This injection of pace and directness, which initially seemed desperate, paid off spectacularly. The new attackers stretched Argentina’s defense and created the very chaos that led to both goals, completely breaking the rhythm that Lionel Scaloni’s side had so carefully constructed.
Quick Comparison: The Final Showdown (Regular & Extra Time)
| Metric | Lionel Messi (Argentina) | Kylian Mbappé (France) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 2 (1 Pen) | 3 (2 Pen) |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 5 |
| Key Passes | 3 | 1 |
| Successful Dribbles | 4 | 5 |
| Tournament Award | Golden Ball | Golden Boot (8 Goals) |
Extra-Time Whiplash: Goal-Line Controversies and Exhaustion
As the match spilled into extra time, the physical and mental toll became visible. Players who perform at the highest level weekly in the Premier League and La Liga were now running on fumes, their legs heavy with the weight of over 90 minutes of brutal, high-stakes football. The pristine, air-conditioned environment of the Lusail Stadium stood in stark contrast to the raw, draining exhaustion etched on every player’s face. Each pass, tackle, and run required immense effort.
The drama, however, was far from over. In the 108th minute, Argentina seemed to find their winner. A flowing move culminated in a powerful shot that French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris parried, only for the ball to fall directly to Lionel Messi. He bundled it over the line from close range, sparking wild celebrations. A brief video review confirmed the goal stood, and once again, Argentina was on the brink of glory.
But this final was destined for more twists. With just minutes remaining, France launched a desperate attack. A shot from Mbappé was blocked, but the true flashpoint came in the 123rd minute. Kolo Muani found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, with the World Cup at his feet. His powerful shot was met by the outstretched leg of Emiliano Martínez in one of the most important saves in football history. It was a moment of pure instinct that single-handedly kept Argentina’s dream alive. The drama wasn’t over, as a subsequent French attack led to a shot from Mbappé that struck the arm of Gonzalo Montiel. The referee pointed to the spot, and Mbappé coolly completed his hat-trick, sending the greatest World Cup final ever to a penalty shootout.
The Penalty Shootout: Psychological Warfare in the Dust
With the score locked at 3-3, the destination of the World Cup trophy would be decided by a penalty shootout—a pure test of nerve and mental strength. As the players prepared, the focus shifted to one man: Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez. Known for his commanding presence and psychological tactics, the Aston Villa keeper was in his element. He wasn’t just trying to save shots; he was actively engaging in mental warfare.
Martínez’s strategy was clear. He exuded an unshakable confidence, delaying the takers, talking to them, and using his body language to project an intimidating aura. It worked to perfection. He correctly dived to his left to save the penalty from Kingsley Coman, giving Argentina an immediate advantage. His mind games appeared to affect the next French taker, Aurélien Tchouaméni, who seemed unnerved by the goalkeeper’s antics and dragged his shot wide of the post.
With France having missed two of their first three penalties, the stage was set for Argentina. Their takers were flawless, converting each of their attempts with composure. The final walk-up belonged to Gonzalo Montiel, the very player whose handball had given France their last-gasp equalizer. In a moment of supreme redemption, he calmly sent Hugo Lloris the wrong way, sealing the victory. The shootout was a brutal mental chess match, and Martínez had proven himself the grandmaster, securing his nation’s third World Cup title.
Settling the Debate: Golden Boot Heroics vs. Golden Ball Mastery
In the aftermath, the discussion immediately turned to the legacies of the two superstars who had defined the final: Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. The match created a perfect, enduring debate. On one side, you have Mbappé’s explosive individual performance. He scored a hat-trick, becoming only the second player in history to do so in a World Cup final, and finished the tournament with eight goals to win the Golden Boot, the award for the top scorer. His performance was a statement of raw, athletic power and clinical finishing.
On the other side, you have Lionel Messi’s complete tournament mastery. He scored seven goals, including two in the final, but his influence went far beyond that. He was the conductor of Argentina’s orchestra, creating chances, controlling the tempo, and leading his team with a calm authority that culminated in him lifting the trophy and being awarded the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player. It was the crowning achievement of an unparalleled career, the final piece of a legacy that many already considered the greatest of all time.
This contrast is what makes the 2022 final so compelling. It wasn’t just a match; it was a narrative about two different forms of greatness. Mbappé, the heir apparent and face of Paris Saint-Germain, cemented his status as football’s next dominant force. Messi, in what was likely his final World Cup, delivered a masterful campaign that fulfilled a lifelong national dream before his celebrated move to Inter Miami. In the end, there is no definitive answer to who was better on the day. Both players elevated the sport, leaving fans with an unforgettable spectacle and a debate that will fuel football conversations for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Was the referee’s decision to award France a penalty in the 118th minute correct under current rules?
Yes, the decision was consistent with the official laws of the game. Under the handball rule, Gonzalo Montiel’s arm was extended away from his body in an unnatural position, making his silhouette bigger and blocking the shot. Even if the contact was unintentional, the position of the arm is what justified the spot-kick, a decision that remains a major talking point among fans.
How rare is it for a player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final?
It is an incredibly rare accomplishment. Before Kylian Mbappé scored three goals against Argentina in 2022, the only other player to achieve this feat was England’s Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final against West Germany. Mbappé’s performance, which included two high-pressure penalties, places him in a very exclusive category in the sport’s history.
Where can I rewatch the full 2022 World Cup Final match now?
The full, unedited match is available to stream for free on FIFA+, the official streaming platform of world football’s governing body. Additionally, many regional sports streaming services and broadcasters often keep iconic matches like the 2022 final in their on-demand archives for subscribers.
Did any player win both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball at the 2022 World Cup?
No, the two main individual awards were won by different players. Lionel Messi of Argentina was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s most outstanding player for his overall influence and playmaking. The Golden Boot, for the tournament’s top goalscorer, was won by Kylian Mbappé of France, who scored eight goals. Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez won the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper.