December 18, 2022, will forever be remembered as the day football gave us perhaps its greatest ever final. At the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, Argentina defeated France on penalties after an unforgettable 3–3 draw, lifting their third FIFA World Cup and crowning Lionel Messi’s career with ultimate glory.

Argentina’s Early Control

Argentina began the game with intensity and dominated the first half. Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot, while Ángel Di María doubled the lead with a stunning counterattack. By halftime, France were 2–0 down and looked lost.

Mbappé’s Historic Response

The second half brought one of the most incredible comebacks in World Cup history. With ten minutes left, Kylian Mbappé struck twice in under two minutes — first from the penalty spot, then with a breathtaking volley — to level the match at 2–2. The final had exploded into life.

Extra-Time Drama

Messi thought he had secured victory in extra time when he scored his second of the night, making it 3–2. But Mbappé refused to be outdone. A late penalty gave him his hat-trick and completed a World Cup final treble, only the second in history. The match ended 3–3, setting up a penalty shootout for the ages.

Argentina’s Triumph

In the shootout, Argentina held their nerve. Emiliano Martínez became a national hero with crucial saves, while Gonzalo Montiel converted the decisive penalty. Argentina won 4–2 on penalties, sparking wild celebrations across Buenos Aires and the world.

Legacy of the Final

• Lionel Messi finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him, completing his legendary career.

• Kylian Mbappé confirmed his status as the future of world football with a World Cup hat-trick at just 23 years old.

• The match itself is widely considered the greatest World Cup final ever, blending drama, quality, and emotion like no other.

For Argentina, it was the culmination of a dream. For Messi, it was immortality. And for football, it was the perfect reminder of why this sport captures the hearts of billions.