The World Cup Final 2022 was one for the books.
Messi has finally won it all, but not without drama in an exciting final.
December 18, Sunday night at Lusail Stadium, thousands of people lined up to watch the conclusion of a grandiose World Cup 2022. The controversies have been questioned throughout the course of the tournament, but the drama, football, and quality have been more than welcomed- some argue, that it’s been the most action-packed World Cup there is.
But the fans weren't just there to watch football, or to see their country make history; they were there to see one of the greatest players in history compete in a competition in which he had previously failed.
Football fans can be tribalistic, too loyal to a particular group or team, too concerned with the narratives and stories that emerge from some of the biggest games ever played. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it adds to the game's beauty.
Argentina vs. France, a game I expected to be a cagey affair, turned into an emotional rollercoaster, a night of ecstasy. Argentina's dominant performance ended in a flurry of emotions- joy, anger, sadness, pain. Some argue that this was the greatest football game ever played, but the most important thing is that Lionel Messi had finally won it all after years of trying and failing.
Argentina's night got off to a good start when Leo Messi calmly slotted in Di María's penalty to make it 1-0. The stadium was rocking, the atmosphere was surreal, and some people hung their heads in shame, hoping their team would fight back. Many argued that the penalty was unjustified, but their doubts and yells were silenced when Argentina's well-worked transition led to a second goal, scored by Di María.
Ángel Di María's big-game heroics must be mentioned. UCL winner. Copa America champion and match decider. Now, he's scored in the biggest game of his career, making his fellow countrymen proud. Clutch. Skillful. Maniac. All night, he caused problems for 24-year-old Koundé, who had a night to forget. He was the angel who came to Argentina's aid when they truly needed it.
The first half ended with an unbelievable amount of confidence that Argentina would finally get their hands on the biggest trophy in football, but their moment of happiness came to an end when an electric Muani was brought down by Nicholas Otamendi.
The General is an imperious defender. Strong, brave on the tackle, and composed, but prone to brain farts at the most unexpected times. Almost everyone had turned off their televisions, expecting Argentina to cruise to a 2-0 victory. Now, Kylian Mbappé had stepped up to take the penalty, giving France a glimmer of hope.
Argentina couldn't relax, as Mbappé scored a sensational volley from nothing to draw them level. A France team that had done virtually nothing for the previous 80 minutes were about to take away Messi’s crowning achievement.
Mbappé had been poor for the majority of the game, but he came up with two goals in the end, and eventually a hat trick. It demonstrated how good he is and his potential to become an all-timer like the 5'7 Argentine on the other side. If he was the heir to Messi’s throne, then the world of football was in good hands. The Frenchman, who was quiet in the first half, increased the tempo and controlled every attack France devised towards the end. Had Molina on strings. A lovely display full of tricks, techniques, and goals. The youngest player to score in two World Cup finals, and the first to score a hat trick in a World Cup final since George Hurst in 1966. It was a king's last dance and the crowning of a prince.
After that, it was a fair battle, with both sides enjoying fair spells of possession. But then chaos ensued in France’s box, and the ball fell to Leo Messi, whose job was simple. 3-2 to Argentina and all seemed fine until a moment of madness from Montiel led to another penalty for France. It was once again level and a hat trick for Kylian Mbappé. A year ago he’d failed to score a penalty against Switzerland. Now he’d gone ahead and scored two in the biggest game. Talk about redemption.
The penalty shootout got off to a great start with goals from Messi and Mbappé. They had done everything they could, and no one could question their efforts. Especially Mbappé, who had pulled out his bag of tricks when his team needed it the most. But it was not to be. Kingsley Coman and Aurélien Tchouaméni, both important players in their own right, both missed penalties. It was Messi’s day, although not without taking away his crown and giving it back to him after some tussle and drama.
Lionel Messi’s legacy had finally been immortalized. On the biggest night of his career, the spirit of Maradona had awakened. Playmaking at its finest- more progressive passes than anyone, linked the attack to midfield and scored two of Argentina’s goals. It wasn’t the greatest Messi performance, but it was a vintage display that rolled back the years.
The truth is, Messi is simply very good at football, far better than anybody else. His achievement on a dull night had given relief and joy to thousands around the globe, who had spent their lives witnessing his magic and wizardry.
Credit must be given to Argentina's supporting cast. Àlvarez bringing up his reputation with his goalscoring heroics in the World Cup. Enzo Fernandez pulling the strings from deep. MacAllister oozing class and technique. Nico ‘The General’ Otamendi showing plenty of heart and character. Emi Martinez, calm and resilient in the face of adversity, producing a save of the highest quality in the end.
One team simply shined the brightest when the lights were on them, and the other didn’t. And that’s how football works.