After 36 years without tasting World Cup glory, Argentinian is back into the highest spectacle of football in incredible fashion. Led by their iconic captain Lionel Messi, the South American stars will parade from the full glare of Lusail Boulevard and pour into the city of Doha all the way to the streets of Buenos Aires.

Sunday | December 18, 2022

Argentina defeated holding champions France to lift the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Lusail on Sunday, Dec. 18.

After losing the first game in their opening match, Argentina went on to seal victory in a dramatic style. The drama could have been saved had the players held onto their 2-goal advantage before halftime.

The Argentinian goals came in the first half through Lionel Messi penalty conversion 23′) and Angel Di Maria tapping in (36′).

The French trailed until the 80th minute when Kylian Mbappe reduced the deficit in half through a penalty. A minute later, he restored parity against the run of play. This unbelievable comeback by France when least expected was done in part by coach Didier Deschamps’ changes in the line up.

Deadlocked at 2-2 by the end of 90 minutes of regulation plus the added time, the focus turned to the standard 30-minute extratime.

The two times world champions came back to slug it out for a claim on their third milestone of this prestigious honour on earth. The galaxy of stars was not done yet dazzling the global sporting fans.

Lionel Messi surged forward with unmatched determination and put Argentina in the pound sit yet again) 108′). The score read 3-2 with France on the back foot. When everybody was certain that the World Cup final was settled and secured, Mbappe completed his hat trick from a penalty spot (118′).

France and Argentina were level at 3-3 and meant only penalties could separate them and the Kings of world be crowned.

And Argentina triumphed 4-2 in penalties taking their tally to three trophies.

Qatar became the first Arab country in the Middle East to host the FIFA World Cup since its inception in 1936 in Uruguay, South America.

Records 

Mbappe is the second player to score a hat trick in a world cup final matching Geoff Hurst’s set in 1966 between England and West Germany.

Lionel Messi became the first player to win the two man of the tournament accolades in World Cup finals (2014 & 2022). He also set a new record for most appearances (26) in the World Cup, surpassing Germany’s Lothar Matthaus record of 25 matches.

FIFA 2022 World Cup Accolades:

• Best player of the tournament: Lionel Messi – age 35 (Argentina) 
• Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappe – age 23 – 8 goals (France)
• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Fernandez – age 30 (Argentina) 
• Young player: Enzo Fernandez – age 21 (Argentina)