The Greatest game ever played: Leo Messi reaching immortality Argentina win World Cup #1643
France 3 Argentina 3 AET (Argentina on Pens 4–2)
28 days ago we embarked on the opening ceremony and match in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite the controversy surrounding the selection It turned out to be an unbelievable tournament. With little to no issues with Qatar being the home for this World Cup. It has been one of the best passionate and loving World Cup environments that the tournament has ever had. It has filled up to the billing and then some. Crazy group stage drama. With miniscule of inches settling many of the groups. Japan, Costa, Rica, Germany and Spain being defined buy some incredible late moments. Belgium flopping Canada giving bulletin board material to Croatia that ended up backfiring leading to their elimination and tournament embarrassment. Romalu Lukaku failing to sink multiple open goals that has led to Belgium’s golden generation falling apart. The host country leaving without any points. The United States and England battle without a winner. The rising stars throughout the different nations making the World Cup so intriguing this time around. Mbappe showing his level as the next man up. Lionel, Messi and Argentina dropping to Saudi Arabia their first game the tournament and rebound and go far. The last ride for so many all-time legends. The emergence of young stars such as Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez along with Jude Bellingham. The benching of Ronaldo South Korea’s stoppage time goal that saw them make the round of 16 after poor start dark horse mania. Morocco becoming the first African team to make the semi-final Croatia getting back to the semi-final in consecutive tournaments. The goalkeeping displays, especially from those nations, the multitude of penalty shootouts and then some. It has been a terrific journey over the last 28 days. This turned out to be one of the best World cups we’ve ever had. We have reached the final as Argentina and France are set to take center stage.
Two parallel storylines meeting at the crossroad in the final moment of this tournament. Both France and Argentina have battled through adversity in the recent history to cross paths in this moment. Argentina ended up squeezing losing to the Saudis yet found a way through in the end making it here They had a scare against Australia Took on Van Gaal Throwing away a two goal lead only for the Netherlands to draw level in the last possible moment of regular time. Weghorst scoring a free kick and the 11th minute of stoppage time to force the issue into extra time. Martinez as unprofessional as he may be became the hero as Argentina were victorious on penalties. They got through Croatia and Luca Modric in the semi-final as we arrived in this moment. Lionel Messi undoubtedly the greatest of all time. However, always having the pressure surrounding him for his inability to deliver the World Cup like Diego Maradona in 86. He is come up short in multiple finals. Failed to win it in 2014 against Germany and although has had a somewhat underwhelming World Cup career, he finally steps up being one of the best performers at the World Cup and getting them back in his final tournament. The only thing missing from his resume from the puzzle is the World Cup trophy. The Argentine people have waited so long and have constantly put this pressure on him to deliver what Diego did. They now stand 90 minutes from winning the world cup. An almighty challenge that stands in front of them as the near perfect player in Lionel Messi is about to test himself in hopes of completing his legacy and complete football against a near perfect team.
France are the near perfect team. Even though there was a lot of question marks surrounding France and what they could go on to do at this world cup, they once again are standing in a final on the verge of history. They came into this tournament with many believing they would flop and some even suggested they would fail to make it out of the group due to the history that four of the last five champions have done the same. Riddled with injuries such as Paul Pogba, Kante, Nkunku and Ballon d’Or winner! Kareem Benzema. Even though France came into this tournament as the holders as they taste in glory in 2018 against Croatia They were being underestimated. France from the start of the tournament started hot and didn’t look back almost all the way through. During the group stage, Olivier giroud became France’s all-time top scorer. A very impressive feat considering He made his debut at 25 years old. Mbappe inevitably is going to break it. The young superstar that is already established himself as the best player in the world. On top of that managed to score three times in the group stage, including a winner against Denmark. However, in addition to those pieces. This French team was heavily influenced by Real Madrid youngster TCH and Antoine Griezmann as many have described as the engine of the French team. They went into the knockout rounds, beat Poland with Mbappe scoring two absolute worldies. The big test came against England. It ended up being their most difficult test of the world cup. TCH gave a France the lead on a magnificent strike. Harry Kane delivers on penalty Olivier giroud delivered when it mattered and Harry Kane skyd a penalty that could have sent it into extra time. France got through the situation with their grit and determination and their know-how. France know how to win and they delivered when it was necessary for them to do so. They took on Morocco a dark horse team that was representing Africa so proudly. Despite it being a cagey affair, extreme defensive display from the three center backs saw France get into that final once again.
This created the paradigm. Contrasting of history and legacy. On one side of the coin Argentina with the goat Lionel Messi having a chance to complete football win the World Cup for Argentina. On the other side Mbappe the best player in the world. A step away from even more history. On the line for him would be another World Cup trophy which would give him two at 23 years old. It’s also about redemption mbappé missed the critical penalty in France losing to Switzerland at Euro 2020. Ever since that night, he has been on a mission for France to write the wrong. Winning the World Cup would put him in a very exclusive class and would already be considered one of the greatest international footballers of all time. There’s no way around this. He is coming and this could be a moment where we see him in his highest esteem. France also on the verge of accomplishing something no one has done since 1962. A moment where two giants cross paths. Two nations having to deal with different sets of adversity setting up this beautiful moment. With everything that’s already at stake, another particular moment could be on the horizon. Could this World Cup final be a passing of the torch. From Lionel Messi to Mbappe? It very well could be. We have waited a month to finally get to the final. Here we are. In the words of Peter Drury
Midnight in Rio, midnight in Tokyo, breakfast in LA, tomorrow morning by the Tasman Sea, 5:00 in Paris and Zagreb, 6:00 in Moscow but now it’s time for the planets ultimate game.
The World Cup final is here 89,000 filled iconic stadium in Qatar for the final game of the 2022 World Cup. 4 years comes down to this very moment. As the torch was going to be passed on the night. Who would be holding the World Cup in their hands in the end was yet to be discovered. Would it be Mbappe capturing another? Or would it be Lionel Messi finally getting the one that always alluded him. France came into this. A slight favorites they have been for the most part more impressive. Argentina has got through every challenge that was put in front of them. However, there were alarm bells ringing at each obstacle. Only di Maria and Lionel Messi remain in the 2014 World Cup final squad. This was as difficult to call as any World Cup final to memory. The near perfect team against the near perfect player. However, in the early parts of this game. There seem to be one that was dictating everything. That would be Argentina. Despite all the problems that they’ve caused for themselves throughout the knockout rounds. They seemed to be connected They moved the ball so smoothly throughout. France in the early goings truly looked like a shell of themselves. Perhaps the stage was too big. Perhaps the lights were too bright. That’s at least how the game was unraveling. Of course, France have been here before as they were the last team to win this . However, a lot of new faces in the France squad that weren’t in the previous one. Perhaps that played a part in their poor start. Argentina went after them immediately. Just minutes into the game. McAllister went for goal. In the 5th minute the Brighton midfielder launched a deep strike from outside the box. However, Hugo lloris manages to make the save. Argentina hit again 3 minutes later. Di Maria Fed the ball into Rodrigo de Paul, another strike from distance from Argentina with the same results . Argentina was on the verge of breaking through as they continue to build on their hot start. Di Maria in the 21st minute cut into the box being slightly touched by dembele was dropped. The referee made no hesitation pointing to the penalty spot. A bit harsh as di Maria is known for a diver was there Contact sure but not enough to bring him down. However, there’s certainly have been more controversial decisions made. Lionel Messi steps up for Argentina with the world on his shoulders. Simple as you like sliding the ball into the bottom left corner Argentina take a 1-0 lead with Lionel Messi scoring again.
It would be his 6th goal of this tournament while taking his World Cup tally to 12. France failed to come to life. It appeared at early points in the final. This was going to be just a routine World Cup final with not too much excitement. In the 35th minute Lionel Messi put together a beautiful ball as Argentina get on the counter attack. McAllister with the ball of his feet with DiMaria on the break to his left slides, the ball into him as Di Maria makes no mistake as Hugo lloris comes out. He drills it into the back of the net Argentina with a two goal lead. An unbelievable counter attack and finish as it did appear that Argentina were running away with it. However, it should be noted. Argentina nearly lost from this position before. Argentina had to play perfect to beat this French team and thus far Argentina were doing just that. Dembele and Olivier giroud were taken out right before halftime. Didier Deschamps was forced into it. As he needed to find a way to get his side back into it. Dembele was getting shredded and they needed a different look up top. Kolo Mauni and Marcus Thurman both elected to replace them. After the first half Argentina were firmly in control. However, an awful lot can still happen. This is the World Cup final after all.
France needed to find something in the second half or the World Cup trophy would be going back to South America. France’s path to immortality their path to back to back would cease to exist. They had to look to one Killian Mbappe. Would he arrive on the big stage ? In the second half we would have to wait and see. The PSG star was kept in check in the first half as he had a very uneventful opening 45 minutes that needed to change. Argentina still seem to be very much in control. As thing as progressed and went forward. It seemed to be as if there was only a matter of time before Lionel Messi has the trophy in his hands. France did not register one shot in the first half, it was going to take a lot to reverse it because Argentina weren’t going away. Their near perfect performance. Just kept them going. In the 49th minute, Di Maria found DePaul in the box on range but was denied. The tempo was all with the Argentines as they continue to push for another in a chance to kill it off and see them become champions. 10 minutes later. Alvarez tries to sting one on the side of the box, but once again was saved. A little later France started to come to life a little bit. In the 68th minute Kolo Mauni ripped a strike at Martinez from distance. It was hit extremely well but couldn’t dip down enough to get France back on terms. 2 minutes later In the 71st minute Mbappe takes a poor touch as he can’t get there. Argentina. Fight back a minute later with Enzo Fernandez pushing it from deep again for Argentina, but denied by Hugo lloris. It seemed like everything was going according to plan for Argentina. But it flipped very quickly and not only did France find some life, but they drew level in a manner of minutes. In the 79th minute Kolo Mauni was taken down in the box. The referee immediately pointing to the penalty spot. Mbappe steps up. Puts the ball down. Remember he missed from the spot in the shootout against Switzerland at the Euros. In front of him was one of the best penalty savers in the world. The world and his nation counted on him in this very moment. He took a deep breath managing to squeeze it just past Martinez who got his hand on the fingertips into the bottom corner as France got a goal back. A minute later. I kid you not a minute later in the 80th minute. Kolo Mauni props up a ball from the center circle into the box mbappé catches it out of the air. Drilling it into the bottom corner in a matter of 2 minutes.
France erase a two goal deficit. We could potentially be heading for extra time now. Mbappe has proven again and again at this tournament that he’s got next. He is the best player in the world and he shows it hitting it so cleanly. No one in this tournament could have scored in that moment. The only man in this tournament at this World Cup that could of score that goal is the one who actually did. It would be his 11th World Cup goal in 13 games as he takes France from the verge of death to back in it. What was a very dry World Cup final was all of a sudden turning into the best sporting event ever witnessed. Both France and Argentina nearly were able to capitalize and stop each time. Kingsley Coleman in the 93rd minute was fouled , Camavu ends up finding Rabiot who rips a strike at Martinez. He stumbles it and Kolo Mauni nearly gets a follow-up touch but it was captured. 3 minutes later, Alvarez found DePaul who found Messi striking for distance. Hugo Lloris makes a very tough save pushing it over. Argentina. Go from 10 minutes from World Cup champions to heading into extra time. After 90 minutes it could not be decided as the fourth World Cup final of the last five would need extra time to decide it.
Extra time was on its way as it was a very dramatic finish to regular time. Setting the stage for potentially one of the all-time great World Cup finals. France had this unexplained energy at the end of the second half. Argentina had dominated the majority of the game and then all of a sudden after the penalty. France came out of nowhere and on the verge of breakthrough and nearly could have won the game in regular time. The break benefited Argentina taking the energy out a bit before the start of extra time. Argentina getting their confidence back again. Argentina were in on goal as Acuna delivered a pinpoint ball into the box for lataro. However, the Inter Milan striker failed to put together the appropriate touch as the defense closed down on him in the box as he was looking for a winner. However, 2 minutes later Argentina found a way through. In the 107th minute. Montiel supplied an amazing deep ball for lataro. He takes a strike on goal that was saved by Lloris and then Lionel Messi follows through on the rebound sending it into the back of the net as France cleared it off the line. However, after the replay it was shown that the ball indeed did cross the line. Beautiful buildup from Argentina and sublime finish from Lionel Messi.
It couldn’t have been anybody else. Could it. As Lionel Messi and gets a brace in the World Cup final. 13 World Cup goals for Lionel Messi in his final match at the World Cup. However, we must remember Argentina threw it away before they could do it again and lo and behold on a corner in the 116th minute. Argentina was called for a handball in the box. The referee pointed to the spot who should step up but Killian Mbappe. Already on the double 12 yards out separating history. As only one other has ever scored a hat trick at the World Cup. Martinez known for his skill. When it comes to penalty saving. They had already faced one another previously in the game from this position. Was Mbappe going to change his original choice based on the fact that he had already scored a penalty going in a certain direction. Mbappe steps up calmly puts it in the bottom corner getting an equalizer which came with 4 minutes left and extra time and what was turning out to be the greatest World Cup final in history.
However, it gets even more dramatic. In the 120th minute, Martinez made the biggest save in football history. France got on the counter attack and Kolo Mauni strikes from outside the box nearly scoring the winner for France. However, Martinez makes an unbelievable save with his foot forcing a penalty shootout. Argentina with all the momentum now as we were heading to a penalty shootout for the first time since 2006. It was going to come down to a coin flip. Lionel Messi getting his hands on the World Cup or potentially Mbappe delivering another World Cup for France, putting his legacy as one of the best on the international stage. Mbappe stepped up first. He has faced Martinez twice already and he got him again calm and focused delivering the penalty. Lionel Messi did the same. Cool as you like. Martinez then denied Kingsley coman. Paulo Dybala then steps up for Argentina. Recently was subbed on for the very purpose of being on the list of penalty takers. He drills it down the middle. TCH stepped up for France and misfired missing the goal completely. Paredes delivers for Argentina. Kolo Mauni then comes up big saving France. It was all going to come down to one kick. The fate of Lionel Messi’s World Cup was going to come down to the foot of montiel. The La Liga star made no mistake drilling it into the back of the net in what was the greatest world cup ever seen the most cinematic battle we have ever seen on the world stage. Argentina win the World Cup for the first time since 1986. 1. Diego Maradona did it. Lionel Messi has proven to be the greatest of all time. However, now with the World Cup trophy in his possession It would be hard to dispute him as the best the world has ever seen. Lionel Messi drops to his knees and tears in his last World Cup. He reaches his immortality. He’s finally done it as he is one Argentina of the World Cup. He holds the trophy in his hands and raises it to the sky as the people in Argentina and at the stadium celebrate in an emotional exchange. On the other side, France and Mbappe fighting off tears after he’d given so much but still ended up with nothing. This particular moment was about Lionel Messi as he is finally fulfilled the prophecy and one Argentina a World Cup.
The greatest game ever played.
The storylines associated with the World Cup final would be endless. Unfortunately, walking away from the 120 minutes. One of them would be left without the soundtrack they deserved. It ended up being the greatest World Cup final and the greatest football match in history. It captivated the world not only the football community, but those around the globe that do not watch football on a regular basis. I had so many messages from friends and people alike talking about the beautiful game and what we witnessed in the final. I have a friend. I’m known for a very long time. A die hard NFL fan who supports the Denver broncos. Midway through the game. He started sending messages about the game and asked me questions about all of it. So many others you can imagine had the same type of experience. This match the World Cup final the Lionel Messi on the verge of solidifying himself as a goat against a France team that was looking to to go back to back with Mbappe leading them in a big way. The captivated all of us, not just the football community in a weird way, I think this final accomplish something almost much greater than what we saw in the pitch. We saw sports fans all across the globe being captivated by the beautiful game. Now I’m not suggesting that those become fans of the game. However, I think this will be a symbolic moment because I think the sport as a whole will not be disrespected the same way again. I think the argument that American athletes had they focused on soccer would become a footballing power will die. Watching throughout the 120 minutes shows exactly everything it takes to be at this level. Football in a lot of senses is disrespected for no reason. Any American sports fan that watch this game has left it with a completely different perception for what the populace would tell you. The game itself was one of the greatest things ever witnessed in entertainment. The historical significance is well documented. Lionel Messi by the majority of people is considered the greatest of all time. In addition to that, he has an almost complete resume. No one in sports has a complete resume. Leo Messi was on the very verge of accomplishing that. The pressure of Diego Maradona winning the World Cup in 1986 was evident that Lionel Messi for some people needed the World Cup to justify it. The majority already knew his greatness far before this moment but there are those who required this. It looked like Argentina was going to run wild on France. It looked like at moments that this was going to be a very uninventful World Cup final. However, it took a turn. Argentina were ripping through France. France were horrifying They had been the most consistent team at the World Cup. Argentina had alarm bells through almost every round. They got through. Saudi Arabia in the group stage driving a scare from Australia and extra time thriller against the Netherlands in which they threw away a two goal lead. Meanwhile, France for the most part in spite of all the injuries that they had coming into this tournament at this World Cup they found a way through. They dominated the majority of the games at this tournament. France did not want to join history of being the fourth champion of the last five World cups to get bounced in the group stage. They look like the favorites throughout the had the experience and even when they struggled they always found a way through. So it was kind of anti-climactic to see them struggle so much. It got so bad that before the end of the first half changes making two changes in the 40th minute. They did not register shot on goal until midway through the second half. Meanwhile Lionel Messi gets it penalty although I controversial one after De Maria collapsed in the box. Then De Maria scores, another encounter attack and by the break France was already in a two goal hole It seemed like it was going to be almost impossible for France to pull themselves out of it. In the second half, It continued Argentina dominated largely from their attacking play, as well as what they saw in the midfield with Enzo Fernandes. Then all of a sudden everything changed. France win a penalty Mbappe scores against one of the best penalty savers in the world. Less than a minute later scores, one of the best goals of the tournament and within a minute. France were level. They were 10 minutes from losing the World Cup to not only bring it back. But throughout the last portion of the game, France were aggressive and was running through Argentina. You know the rest of the story an extra time the Lionel Messi scores. Then in the last possible moment France won a penalty and Mbappe beats Martinez. Another time as he become the first player to get a hat trick at a World Cup final since 1966. Only the second player to do it. He is 23 years old, has 267 goals. That was his 12th World Cup goal. He is only five away from the all-time top scorer in World Cup and he’s only been at two World cups. The youngster at 23 years old still has three more World Cup. He put his team on his back and got them into the shootout. However, before then, In the 120th minute Kolo Mauni nearly won the World Cup for France. If it wasn’t for a terrific save from Martinez, France would be lifting the trophy. The most important save in the history of football. They went into penalties embape scores again but the inevitable came true as Argentina beat France on penalties to win the World Cup. Lionel Messi to live by himself as the undisputed goat. But we have to appreciate the greatest match of sport in history. There has been a passing of the torch as Lionel Messi passes it on to Mbappé. Lionel Messi scores the double Mbappe scores a hat trick France come from death from two goals down. They should take this match. Put it in time capsule and leave it there for 5000 years. That is how incredibly important for the history of the game while also the legacy of itself. This was the greatest game ever played.
Lionel Messi finally gets his hands on the World Cup. He has now pulled off a clean sweep of Argentina silverware. Even though no one really truly cares about it. He has the Olympics gold medal, the Copa America which was the defining one finally winning with his country after losing in final after final. Then finally this World Cup. Lionel Messi has the most complete resume of any athlete in sports history. The only thing he was missing from it was the world cup and after coming so close in 2014 and coming up short. He fought his way to get back here and it was not an easy road. From losing the Saudi Arabia to winning the whole damn thing. Not to mention they had warning signs and hiccups along the way. Even in the final itself, Argentina nearly threw it away on multiple occasions. Before the World Cup final began, I had stated that Argentina would have to be absolutely perfect to beat France. I did not suspect that France would start so poorly, but nonetheless, Argentina were as perfect as they could be largely from the contributions regarding Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez. Finally, the goat can rest with the World Cup in his possession. So many were reluctant to refer to him as the best ever. Only on the basis of Argentina not winning the world cup. However he has had a monkey on his back for far too long. The pressure of a nation on his shoulders to do what Diego Maradona was able to do in 1986. He He has finally answered the call. All the pressure surrounding Diego Maradona winning the World Cup. He finally was able to do what Diego did. He’s looking down and smiling. Lionel Messi completes the last piece of the puzzle. I feel bad for whoever has to wear his number next. Lionel Messi after the game broke down in tears as he lifts the world cup. The one thing that was always a dream for him. He has reached the immortality of the moment as he now stands alone at the top of football history. While he will not appear in the world cup again. Is unlikely to be a part of the next Copa America. Lionel Messi has said he wants to play a few more games with Argentina as champion. His whole life has come down to this very moment a moment that almost didn’t happen a moment that nearly happened for someone else. Lionel Messi has passed the torch in his crowding moment, but Lionel Messi is able to grab the one trophy that is always eluded him. He has completely solidified himself as the greatest of all time. The people of Argentina have come to get together and this beautiful moment as a party in Buno aries has only begun with Lionel Messi finally finally with the World Cup trophy. As he has completed football.
Mbappe Will come back with vengeance. Even though he already has a World Cup. This is only the beginning of Mbappe and this French team and what they will be able to do over the next couple of tournaments. Everyone is extremely happy for Lionel Messi. Finally securing the thing that’s always alluded him. However, at the same time is heartbreaking to see Mbappe on that stage, picking up the golden boot and walking off past the World Cup. Mbappe did absolutely everything he could have done to win the world cup. He has been the best player at this world cup. It is his time now. He is the best player in the world and he showed exactly why at this tournament. Even though Lionel Messi received the Golden Ball. Mbappe was the rightful owner of the award. Giving it to Lionel Messi is completely understandable. As he was sensational but Mbappe was on a different level at this world cup. The Ballon d’Or is rightfully his. The French Superstar scored eight goals at this world. Cup scored four goals in 2018. He is only five off the record. We can expect him to be at least at another two World cups, maybe even three. It was one of the best individual performances we’ve seen in a final. He became only the second man to ever score a hat trick in the World Cup final. He did everything he could have done to deliver France another World Cup. It just didn’t go his way. After everything he went through in Euro 2020. He stepped up to the penalty spot on three different occasions and wrote the wrongs of that tournament as he missed the crucial penalty that got France knocked out at the euros. He stepped up in front of one of the best penalty savers in the world. Beat him three times and scored an absolutely outrageous goal that only he could hit. He brought France back from death. He has been the best player in the world. From the very beginning of the season. His villain origin story will begin. He will win Euro 2024 and maybe the next World Cup. He has 19 goals in the league this season and just scored another eight at this tournament. Although he should have been player the tournament perhaps What is to come? No one is ready for. This France team that is still relatively young will be on a mission after this tournament because they were so close yet so far from another world cup. They will be an unstoppable force until they get their hands on silverware again. In addition to that, Lionel Messi and Mbappe will be playing with each other within a matter of weeks. PSG have been known as chokers on the big stage however. Mbappé will have a level of vengeance Lionel Messi will be on a mission along with him and Neymar will also be on a level of vengeance. I believe PSG will win the Champions League and I believe the rightful owner of the Ballon d’Or is Mbappe. He did so much for France at this tournament. He was absolutely terrific throughout and it is clear the torch has been passed to him. This France team isn’t going away. This is only the beginning. Mbappe feeling the heartbreak of missing out in the World Cup final. However, this is only the beginning of the story. He will capture a big trophy for France in the next several years. One more international trophy would put him as one of the three greatest international players of all time. Mbappe is already the best in the world and now you just gave him all the motivation. He needs to take this to the next level. The Ballon d’Or may not be for a while, but everyone knows Mbappe should be the one holding it when the time comes. He has been the best player in the world all season and just had the best World Cup. 13 goals in 14 games at the world cup, including eight goals at this World Cup. As much as we all want to be happy for Lionel Messi, it’s hard not to feel for Mbappe that did all he could and still was left with nothing. The villain origin story now begins. This was the greatest world cup final of all time. Words don’t even do justice to how phenomenal it was. Put it in time capsule and lock it away. Keep the essence of it alive. Argentina win the world cup in the greatest game ever played.
