Lionel Messi fulfilled his dream of conquering Copa from Mundo with Argentina. The South American team beat França on penalties 4-2, after a 3-3 draw in normal time and extra time, in the final played in December 2022 at Estádio Lusail, at Catar. The Argentine captain scored two goals in the decisive match and led the team to the country’s third world title, 36 years after winning in 1986. The campaign included overcoming success since the group stage.
Argentina arrived at the tournament as one of the favorites, with a long streak of games without defeat. Coach Lionel Scaloni commanded the team that had names like Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Ángel Di María alongside Messi. The Argentine fans had a strong presence at Catar and followed each match with great expectation.
The surprising defeat in the debut
The team debuted against Arábia Saudita at Grupo C. The game took place at Estádio Lusail. Messi opened the scoring with a penalty 10 minutes into the first half. Argentina dominated, but suffered a comeback in the second half with goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari. The final score was 2-1 for the Saudis.
The result represented one of the biggest upsets in the history of Copas. Argentina saw their 36-game unbeaten run come to an end. Scaloni stated after the match that the team needed to lift its head and move forward. Messi reinforced the need for unity in the cast. The defeat left the team with an obligation to win the two remaining group stage matches to advance.
The recovery against México
Argentina faced México in the second round of the group. The confrontation also took place on Lusail. The two teams were tied goalless until midway through the second half. Aos 64 minutes, Messi received the ball in midfield, advanced and shot from outside the box to open the scoring.
Enzo Fernández scored the second goal in the final minutes to secure a 2-0 victory. The result eased the pressure on the team. Messi declared that the triumph brought calm and returned control of the situation. The victory kept the chances of qualifying alive and showed the squad’s reaction.
In the last match of the group stage, Argentina beat Polônia 2-0, with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez. The team finished top of Grupo C and advanced to the round of 16.
- Messi scored a penalty goal in his debut against Arábia Saudita
- Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández stood out in the following group stage games
- Argentina needed to win the last two group matches after the initial defeat
- Scaloni adjusted the team and maintained confidence in the captain Messi
The tense confrontation against Holanda
Nas quarter-finals, Argentina eliminated Holanda in a game marked by emotion and incidents. Nahuel Molina opened the scoring in the first half after an assist from Messi. Messi himself added a penalty in the 73rd minute.
Wout Weghorst scored twice for the Dutch, including a stoppage time goal, to force extra time. The dispute was decided on penalties, with Argentina winning 4-3. Após the game, there was an exchange of provocations between the players and with the coach Louis van Gaal.
Messi responded to the criticism he received before the match. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also commented on the Dutch coach’s statements. The classification took Argentina to the semi-final against Croácia.
The victory in the semi-final and the epic final
Argentina beat Croácia 3-0 in the semi-final, with an outstanding performance from Messi. The team reached the decision against França, who were defending the 2018 title. The final went down in history as one of the most exciting of all time.
Messi opened the scoring with a penalty in the 23rd minute. Ángel Di María expanded in the 36th minute on a counterattack. França responded at the end of the second half with two quick goals from Kylian Mbappé, which tied the game at 2-2. In extra time, Messi scored again in the 108th minute, but Mbappé equalized once again from the penalty spot in the 118th minute, completing a hat-trick.
The decision went to penalties. Argentina won 4-2. Gonzalo Montiel converted the decisive kick. Emiliano Martínez made important saves. Messi lifted the trophy under fireworks at Estádio Lusail.
The moment of the title and the legacy
Messi fell to his knees after the final penalty. Ele declared that he had dreamed of that moment many times and still couldn’t believe it. Sergio Agüero, who did not compete in the tournament due to a heart problem, participated in the party on the field and carried his friend on his shoulders.
Argentine fans celebrated on the streets of Catar and across the country. The song “Muchachos” echoed throughout the tournament and marked the celebrations. The achievement ended a 36-year fast without a world title for Argentina.
The campaign showed resilience after the initial scare. The Scaloni team combined experience and youth. Messi, aged 35 at the time, led the group and completed their journey with the main missing trophy.
