FIFA World Cup 2022 Final: Full Match Highlights & Recap

What's up, football fanatics! Get ready to relive the magic because we're diving deep into the FIFA World Cup 2022 Final full match highlights! This wasn't just any game; it was an absolute thriller, a contest for the ages that had us all on the edge of our seats. Argentina, led by the incomparable Lionel Messi, took on the formidable French squad, spearheaded by the electrifying Kylian Mbappé. The stakes couldn't have been higher – a chance to etch their names in football history as World Cup champions. This final was a clash of titans, a battle of dreams, and a showcase of skill that will be talked about for generations. We'll break down every crucial moment, every stunning goal, and every nail-biting penalty that made this final one for the record books. So grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and let's rewind to one of the most unforgettable finals the beautiful game has ever witnessed.

The Road to the Lusail Stadium Showdown

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the FIFA World Cup 2022 Final full match highlights, it's crucial to understand how these two incredible teams even got here. Argentina, carrying the weight of a nation's expectations and the burning desire to finally give Messi his crowning glory, navigated a challenging path. They stumbled early, losing to Saudi Arabia in a shocking upset, but showed incredible resilience. They regrouped, fought tooth and nail, and displayed flashes of brilliance that reminded everyone of their pedigree. Key victories against Mexico, Poland, Australia, and the Netherlands in a dramatic quarter-final cemented their status as genuine contenders. The semi-final against Croatia was a masterclass in control and clinical finishing, setting them up perfectly for the grand finale. Meanwhile, France, the defending champions, were on a mission to create history themselves. They showcased a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned expertise, moving through the tournament with a dominant swagger. Victories against Poland, England in a tense quarter-final, and a comfortable semi-final win against Morocco proved their championship mettle. The narrative was compelling: could France become the first team to successfully defend their World Cup title since Brazil in 1962, or would Messi finally achieve his ultimate dream on the grandest stage? The anticipation for the final was palpable, with fans worldwide eager to witness this epic confrontation.

First Half: Argentina's Dominance and French Comeback

The FIFA World Cup 2022 Final full match highlights kicked off with an explosive start from Argentina. From the get-go, they looked determined and organized, pressing the French defense and dictating the tempo. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Ángel Di María, making a surprise start and proving his worth, was brought down in the box by Ousmane Dembélé. The referee pointed to the spot, and who else but Lionel Messi stepped up to calmly slot the penalty past Hugo Lloris, sending the Argentine fans into delirium. This goal was monumental, putting Messi one step closer to immortality. Argentina continued to press their advantage, their midfield controlling possession and their attack looking sharp. The French, on the other hand, seemed a bit sluggish and unable to find their rhythm. Their struggles were compounded in the 36th minute when a swift Argentine counter-attack, a beautiful display of passing and movement, culminated in a stunning goal from Di María himself. He finished coolly after a sweeping move, doubling Argentina's lead and leaving France in a seemingly insurmountable hole. At halftime, the score stood at 2-0 to Argentina, and many believed the game was all but over. The first half was a testament to Argentina's tactical brilliance and their hunger to win, while France had a mountain to climb in the second half. The highlights from this period showed Argentina at their absolute best, playing with passion and precision.

Second Half: Mbappé's Miraculous Surge and a Twisting Tide

Just when you thought the FIFA World Cup 2022 Final full match highlights were heading in one direction, the second half exploded into life thanks to the sheer brilliance of Kylian Mbappé. France, down 2-0 and looking out of sorts, brought on fresh legs and a renewed sense of urgency. The turning point, the moment that shifted the momentum dramatically, came in the 80th minute. Mbappé, who had been relatively quiet, suddenly came alive. He won a penalty after a challenge from Nicolás Otamendi, and he stepped up to take it himself. With nerves of steel, he dispatched the penalty into the net, giving France a glimmer of hope. But the drama wasn't over. Just 97 seconds later, in the 81st minute, Mbappé produced another moment of pure magic. He received the ball outside the box, unleashed a thunderous volley that flew past Emiliano Martínez, leveling the score at 2-2! The stadium erupted, and the narrative of the game completely changed. It was a stunning display of individual brilliance, showcasing why Mbappé is considered one of the greatest players of his generation. France, who looked dead and buried just minutes earlier, were suddenly back in the contest, and the momentum had swung firmly in their favor. The final minutes of regular time were tense, with both teams having chances, but neither could find the decisive goal, forcing the match into extra time. This comeback was one of the most electrifying in World Cup final history.

Extra Time: Messi and Mbappé Continue Their Duel

The FIFA World Cup 2022 Final full match highlights continued into extra time, and the intensity only ratcheted up. Both teams were visibly tired, but the desire to win was still burning bright. The first period of extra time saw chances for both sides. Argentina thought they had won it in the 108th minute when Lionel Messi, continuing his phenomenal performance, managed to poke the ball home after a goal-line scramble. It looked like the decisive blow, sending the Argentine bench into celebratory mode. However, the goal was eventually disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR review, a moment of agonizing deflation for Argentina. The French, on the other hand, were still fighting. In the 117th minute, a handball by Gonzalo Montiel inside the Argentine box once again presented France with a golden opportunity. And who else but Kylian Mbappé stepped up to complete his hat-trick! He calmly converted the penalty, making it 3-3 and becoming only the second player in World Cup final history to score three goals in a final. This incredible back-and-forth between Messi and Mbappé, the two superstars of the tournament, was the defining narrative of extra time. The sheer drama and relentless action made this period unforgettable, showcasing the immense skill and mental fortitude of both teams. The match was now headed for the ultimate test of nerve: a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout: Argentina's Triumph

And so, we arrived at the climax of the FIFA World Cup 2022 Final full match highlights: the penalty shootout. This is where legends are made and dreams are shattered. The tension in the Lusail Stadium was almost unbearable. Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, who had been a crucial figure throughout the tournament, played a significant role. He saved France's second penalty, taken by Kingsley Coman, giving Argentina a crucial advantage. For Argentina, Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, and finally, Gonzalo Montiel stepped up. Messi, cool as ever, slotted his penalty home. Dybala and Paredes also converted their kicks. The pressure was on Montiel to seal the victory. With the weight of a nation on his shoulders, he calmly sent the French goalkeeper the wrong way and scored, sending Argentina into a frenzy of celebration! They had won the World Cup! France's other penalty takers, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Randal Kolo Muani, missed their respective shots. The penalty shootout was a fittingly dramatic conclusion to an epic final. Argentina's victory marked their first World Cup title since 1986 and, most importantly, secured Lionel Messi's legacy as one of the all-time greats. The scenes of jubilation, the tears of joy, and the sheer relief on the faces of the Argentine players and fans were a powerful testament to the magnitude of their achievement. It was a truly historic moment in football.

Legacy of the 2022 Final

The FIFA World Cup 2022 Final full match highlights will forever be etched in the annals of football history. This wasn't just a game; it was a spectacle that transcended the sport. It was a contest defined by incredible individual brilliance, dramatic comebacks, and unwavering determination. Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time, finally lifted the World Cup trophy, completing his illustrious career and fulfilling a lifelong dream. His performance throughout the tournament, and particularly in the final, was nothing short of extraordinary. On the other side, Kylian Mbappé solidified his status as the future of football, scoring a sensational hat-trick in the final and proving that he is a force to be reckoned with. The final served as a reminder of the unpredictability and sheer excitement that football offers. It showcased the passion of two incredible nations and the unifying power of the beautiful game. The tactics, the individual duels, the emotional rollercoaster – it all combined to create a match that will be replayed, analyzed, and celebrated for decades to come. This final wasn't just about winning; it was about the journey, the drama, and the enduring legacy it leaves behind for fans worldwide. What a game, guys!