The 2022 WorldCup was the highlight of 63 hours of amazing soccer. Argentina beat France 3-3 in penalty kicks, behind two goals by Lionel Messi. This victory marks the first World Cup since 1986 and rewards Messi with the only trophy missing from his legendary resume. France came close to winning the World Cup again with Kylian Mabappe scoring all three goals.
Here’s how social media responded to the 2022 World Cup Final.
Lionel Messi converted Argentina’s early penalty kick and gave Messi his first goal in a World Cup final.
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With that goal, Messi becomes the first man to score in the Round of 16, Quarterfinal, Semifinal and Final at a single FIFA World Cup 🇦🇷👏 pic.twitter.com/DeIhFPDbsf
France was able to take a 2-0 lead over Argentina thanks to a stunning team goal that Alexis Mac Allister and Messi started. It was then completed by the veteran Argentina player.
Di María is overcome with emotion after scoring in the FIFA World Cup Final for Argentina 🇦🇷❤️ pic.twitter.com/2YKLFUhk1S
Bravo Argentina! Got just about everything right in the first half & the slickness of that second goal, breathtaking. Collective French failure. They have to hope the changes have an effect but clutching at straws maybe. #ARGFRA
If they win this, Di Maria deserves a statue alongside Messi. Won that Copa America and then won a penalty and scored the second goal. Such an incredible career at club level and international now.
Angel Di Maria departs to a deafening ovation from #ARG fans. Been outstanding, winning the penalty, scoring the second, tracking back. Inspired decision to start him by Scaloni, and Di Maria responded in style. #FIFAWorldCupFinal
Lionel Messi and Di Maria won the Olympics final together for Argentina in 2008. They are 45 minutes away from winning the World Cup final together in 2022. This is what success looks like 🇦🇷❤️ #FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/Mi5XJlyXAb
We’ve gotten to the point where Hollywood would not even believe this game. Messi and Mbappe countering each other? A 3-3 tie on the way to penalties? You kidding me?!!?!
A final for the ages – and , on the day, the right winners. Argentina dominated that game for so long. Travesty had they lost it. Fancy getting a hat trick in the final and losing. Feel for Mbappe on that score. But Messi has given game so much he deserves this crowning moment.
France and Argentina face off in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. They are both bidding to win their third title.
Will Lionel Messi finally get his crowning moment Will Kylian Mbappe be the next great player? France will be the first nation since Brazil 60 years ago to play back-to-back in this tournament.
The manager’s team selections will likely have a significant impact on which narrative is chosen between the two teams bookmakers are having difficulty separating.
You can see the lineups below to check out the Lusail-Iconic Stadium matchup.
Argentina: Starting 11
(4-4-2, right to left): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 26. Molina, 13. Romero, 19. Otamendi, 3. Tagliafico — 11. Di Maria, 7. De Paul, 24. Fernandez, 20. Mac Allister — 10. Messi, 9. Alvarez
* Injured: none
* Suspended : none
Lionel Scaloni was asked by the head coach whether Angel Di Maria should be brought in to replace Leandro Paredes, who played in the 4-4-2 formation that beat Croatia.
He chose to travel with PSG and Real Madrid former player who was a sub for Germany’s 2014 defeat.
Argentina’s injury doubt was Papu. However, he is available to play and will be on the bench. Fullbacks Marcos Acuna (suspended) and Gonzalo Montel (suspended) will return to the squad.
The latter, despite being originally named in the starting team, has now been dropped. Nicolas Tagliafico is his replacement as left-back.
Deschamps decided to name Dayot Upecano and Raphael Varane as defense, despite Ibrahima Konate’s impressive semifinal performance against Croatia.
However, his team is expecting the unexpected. Adrien Rabiot has returned to the midfield following a bout with illness. Both Aurelien Tuchouameni (hip), and Theo Hernandez(knee), are fit enough for him to start.
Kingsley Coman will also be sitting on the bench after he has recovered from the flu which caused him to miss Friday’s training.
Despite rumors that Karim Benzema might be making an appearance, there is no surprise return to the team.
Argentina vs France World Cup squads
These are the names of Argentina and France on Qatar’s World Cup Squad List (caps correct at start of Qatar 2022)