From Defeat to World Glory: Three Years of Argentina’s Unforgettable Campaign Under Messi

Staff Report: PNN

Thursday marked three years since the historic night of the Argentina–France World Cup final at Lusail Stadium, Qatar, and Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup trophy. That night, December 18, 2022, remains unforgettable in football history as a unique example of drama, emotion, and an incredible comeback.

Football fans consider it one of the greatest finals in World Cup history. Ending a 36-year wait, Argentina won the World Cup for the third time. Under Messi, La Albiceleste returned to the pinnacle of world football, 36 years after Diego Maradona’s triumph in 1986.

However, the path to this victory was not easy. Argentina faced a shocking defeat against Saudi Arabia at the start of the tournament, a harsh reality check that ultimately reshaped the team. They then advanced to the knockout stage by defeating Mexico and Poland in the group stage, and later overcoming Australia, the Netherlands, and Croatia in the semifinals.

In the Lusail final, Argentina led 2–0 in the first half with goals from Messi and Ángel Di María. It seemed the match was under their control. But Kylian Mbappé’s brilliant double in the final minutes brought France back. Extra time saw both teams score once more, leveling the match at 3–3.

One of the most memorable moments came at the very end of extra time when Emiliano Martínez’s extraordinary save denied a certain goal from France’s Kolo Muani, keeping Argentina in the fight for the trophy.

Ultimately, Argentina won in the penalty shootout, thanks to Martínez’s resilience and Gonzalo Montiel’s successful shot. The joy of victory erased past disappointments from the 2014 World Cup and earlier Copa América finals.

In these three years, Argentine football has established a renewed identity and retained its status as world champions. Messi and his teammates are now preparing for new challenges ahead of the 2026 World Cup.