Lionel Messi of Argentina became the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score in each of the tournament’s knockout games. At the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Messi accomplished the record by successfully converting the penalty shot to start the championship game against France. In the 2022 World Cup, Messi scored in every knockout round. He continued his stellar record in the championship match when, in the 23rd minute, he scored past Hugo Lloris.
Messi scored Argentina’s first goal in the Round of 16 games against Australia in the 35th minute, and the team eventually won 2-1. Against the Netherlands in the next round, the Argentine captain increased his team’s lead with a penalty kick late in the second half. After the game went into overtime and then penalties, Messi scored again as Argentina overcame the Dutch team 4-3.
Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals, with Messi scoring Argentina’s first goal on another penalty conversion. The victory qualified Argentina for the championship game.
Live scoreboard for Argentina vs. France World Cup 2022 matchup:
Argentina won its third World Cup title by defeating France 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 tie including two goals from the 35-year-old Messi and a hat trick from France forward Kylian Mbappé. This was arguably the wildest final in the tournament’s 92-year history.
The first penalties for the respective sides were converted by Mbappé and Messi. Emi Martinez, the goalkeeper for Argentina, stopped a shot from Kingsley Coman, and when France’s Aurelien Tchouameni missed, Gonzalo Montiel had the chance to score the game-winning goal. He scored the penalty kick to the left, setting off a riot of cheers.
Earlier, Lothar Matthaus was eclipsed by Lionel Messi to hold the title of the male player with the most FIFA World Cup appearances. It was Messi’s 26th outing on the big stage.
Argentina got the tournament’s championship game off to an exciting start when they were awarded a penalty for their continuous attack. While Angel Di Maria, who had been on the bench throughout the tournament but started in the starting XI for the final, extended Argentina’s advantage in the 36th minute, Messi maintained his composure to sneak the ball past Lloris for the team’s opening goal. Argentina leads France 2-0 at the half.
Since 2006, Europe has won four World Cups in a row, but that streak has come to an end. Brazil won the tournament’s last South American title in 2002, which took place in Asia with Japan and South Korea serving as the hosts.
Argentina won the Copa America last year, their first major championship since 1993, and repeated that success in Qatar. It’s a thrilling conclusion to Messi’s still-unfinished international career. He declared after the game that he would keep playing for his country.
