A look back at the 2022 FIFA World Cup final
Wertynews.com – In the 2022 World Cup final, Argentina and France faced off in a showdown that captivated global audiences. The match, held at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium, featured a historic clash between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, with France aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to claim back-to-back titles. Argentina ultimately triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing four successful kicks to France’s two.
Anticipation and fan fervor
Excitement simmered in Argentina and France as the 2022 final approached. In Rosario, Messi’s hometown, a crane hoisted a massive shirt of the star player into the sky, symbolizing the nation’s hopes. The iconic blue-and-white jersey was omnipresent in Qatar, according to CBS News producer Rose Manister, who covered the tournament. “The shirt was everywhere, with fans of all ages wearing it regularly, even on days when Argentina wasn’t in action,” she noted.
“Some Argentinians, I know that they sold their house, their car to be here,” said Luceo Colombera, an Argentina fan, reflecting on the dedication of supporters. “That is incredible, and the dream of most people here is that Messi can be the champion.”
The match and its turning point
Argentina began the game with authority, taking a 2-0 lead by halftime thanks to goals from Messi and Di Maria. The second half saw Di Maria add another, but France’s Mbappé struck twice in quick succession, followed by a penalty goal to complete a historic treble. Mbappé became the second player to achieve a hat trick in a World Cup final, a feat that electrified the stadium.
The contest eventually reached a penalty shootout, where Argentina’s Messi, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, and Gonzalo Montiel converted their attempts. France’s Mbappé and Randal Kolo Muani were the only scorers in the sudden-death phase.
Reactions from the crowd
“The final was probably the greatest World Cup final of all time,” remarked Rose Manister, capturing the collective sentiment of Qatar’s fans.
“We could have won it comfortably, but we had to suffer as always,” said Argentina fan Rogelio Vazquez after the match. “But when you suffer, you enjoy it more. So let’s go, Argentina.”
“But Messi got the World Cup he wanted,” Kadine Galoco, a French fan, shared in Spanish. “I don’t want to say I’m happy for him, but his journey was remarkable. And good luck to France, don’t let go, the next one is for us.”
Notable figures’ praise
Global icons like LeBron James and former President Barack Obama hailed Messi as the greatest of all time, celebrating his long-awaited World Cup victory. Gary Lineker, a former striker, praised the Argentine maestro on social media: “It’s been an absolute privilege to watch Lionel Messi for nearly 20 years. Moment after moment of spellbinding, breathtakingly joyous football. He’s a gift from the footballing Gods. So pleased that he’s lifted the ultimate prize in our sport. Gracias y felicidades, campeón.”
Ryan Reynolds, who watched the final from Paris, humorously described the event as “a gorgeous, evil curse. I love it so much, make it stop.” Brazilian legend Pelé, who passed away shortly after the tournament, echoed the sentiment: “Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way. Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved. My dear friend, Mbappé, scorched the field with brilliance.”
Despite the fervor of the final, the stadium area grew eerily quiet the following day. A fan described it as a “ghost town,” yet the memories of the match lingered. “Yesterday was amazing. We watched the sunrise dancing with our compatriots,” said Jesica Inamorato, an Argentina fan, in Spanish. “You can tell by my voice what a good time we had.”
