The question on every fan’s lips after Qatar’s winter spectacle: who won World Cup 2022? The answer is Argentina, who lifted their third FIFA World Cup title after an unforgettable final against France on December 18, 2022. The match at Lusail Stadium will forever be remembered as one of the greatest in football history—a 3-3 thriller settled by penalties, with Lionel Messi finally reaching the pinnacle of his career and Kylian Mbappé writing his own legend with a dramatic hat-trick.
In this article, CanLinkCup will take you back through the drama, the heroes, the turning points, and the legacy of the 2022 World Cup, bringing you the full story of Argentina’s triumph.
Argentina’s road to glory
Argentina’s campaign did not begin as champions are usually expected to. A shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening group game sent shockwaves across the world. Critics questioned their mentality, and fans feared Messi’s last World Cup would end in heartbreak. Yet, the setback became the ignition point of a run full of resilience, tactical brilliance, and Messi’s unmatched leadership.
Victories against Mexico and Poland steadied the ship, with Messi scoring crucial goals. In the knockout stages, Argentina overcame Australia, then faced a fiery battle with the Netherlands, where they advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout. The semifinal against Croatia was a masterclass: Messi and Julián Álvarez dismantled the 2018 finalists with skill and composure.
By the time Argentina reached the final, the team was a mixture of veterans hungry for glory and fearless youngsters ready to etch their names into history.
The final: Argentina vs France
The Lusail Stadium final wasn’t just a football match; it was a cinematic epic. Argentina dominated the first hour, with Messi converting a penalty and Ángel Di María capping a sweeping counterattack to make it 2-0. It seemed the Albiceleste were cruising to victory.
Then came Kylian Mbappé. In just 97 seconds, he scored twice—first, then with a thunderous volley—to bring France level at 2-2. Extra time saw Messi strike again in the 108th minute, only for Mbappé to complete his hat-trick with another penalty. The final whistle after 120 minutes signaled 3-3, setting the stage for penalties.
Argentina held their nerve. Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez was heroic once more, and Gonzalo Montiel slotted the decisive kick. Argentina won the shootout 4-2, sparking wild celebrations and cementing a night etched into the game’s mythology.
Lionel Messi’s crowning moment
For Lionel Messi, Qatar 2022 was more than a tournament—it was destiny fulfilled. He had already won everything at club level, but the World Cup had always eluded him. In this campaign, Messi scored seven goals, provided key assists, and guided Argentina with unmatched determination.
He became the first player to score in every knockout round of a World Cup, and his performance in the final was nothing short of iconic. FIFA awarded him the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament, finally erasing any lingering doubts about his status as the greatest of all time.
Kylian Mbappé’s unforgettable hat-trick
On the other side stood Kylian Mbappé, the man who nearly shattered Argentina’s dream. At just 23 years old, he became the first player since 1966 to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. His eight goals earned him the Golden Boot, making him the tournament’s top scorer.
Though France fell short, Mbappé’s performance signaled that the future of world football belongs to him. His duel with Messi provided the perfect passing of the torch moment—a legend fulfilling his destiny and a superstar proving he’s ready to take over.
Statistics that defined the tournament
The 2022 World Cup wasn’t just about drama; it was filled with remarkable numbers that added to its historic flavor:
- Argentina lifted their third World Cup (1978, 1986, 2022).
- Messi became the all-time leader in World Cup appearances with 26 matches played.
- Mbappé’s 8 goals were the most in a single tournament since Ronaldo in 2002.
- Emiliano Martínez won the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper, thanks to his penalty saves and crucial stops.
- Enzo Fernández, only 21, was awarded the Best Young Player, signaling Argentina’s bright future.
Why Qatar 2022 is remembered as the greatest final
Many experts and fans agree the 2022 final may be the greatest ever played. It had everything: breathtaking goals, emotional swings, two global superstars at their best, and the ultimate drama of penalties. For neutral fans, it was pure adrenaline. For Argentinians, it was the culmination of decades of waiting since Maradona’s 1986 triumph.
The tournament itself broke new ground too—being the first held in winter, in the Middle East, and offering stunning stadiums like Lusail. But it’s the footballing story that ensured its place in history.
Conclusion
So, who won World Cup 2022? Argentina did, and in doing so, they delivered one of the most legendary finals the sport has ever seen. Messi lifted the trophy he craved most, Mbappé showcased his unstoppable brilliance, and fans were gifted a match that will be retold for generations.
At CanLinkCup, we believe this victory was more than a title—it was a story of resilience, legacy, and destiny. Stay with us to explore more about football history, biographies, statistics, and upcoming matches, because the world’s greatest game never stops giving us reasons to fall in love all over again.
