The final that rewrote history
Lusail Stadium hosted chaos on December 18, 2022. Argentina led 2–0 through Messi and Ángel Di María, then Mbappé scored twice in 97 seconds to force extra time. Messi tapped in a 108th-minute rebound, only for Mbappé to equalize again with a 118th-minute penalty. Emiliano Martínez saved Kingsley Coman’s spot-kick in the shootout before Gonzalo Montiel sealed it. Messi’s seven goals and three assists earned him the Golden Ball—eight years after losing the 2014 final in Rio.
Mbappé’s lost masterpiece
France’s star became the second man to score a World Cup final hat-trick after England’s Geoff Hurst in 1966. His 75th-minute penalty sparked the comeback, followed by a stunning volley 90 seconds later. The PSG forward converted another penalty in extra time, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals. At 23, he matched Pelé’s record for most World Cup final goals (3) before turning 24.
Qatar’s controversial shadow
The first Middle Eastern host faced criticism over migrant worker deaths and LGBTQ+ rights. FIFA moved the tournament to November-December to avoid Qatar’s summer heat, disrupting European seasons. On-field, Saudi Arabia’s 2–1 upset over Argentina was the shock of the group stage, while Morocco became the first African semifinalist by beating Spain and Portugal.
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Frequently asked questions
Who won the Golden Ball in 2022?+
Lionel Messi, for his seven goals and three assists—including two goals in the final.
How many goals did Mbappé score in the final?+
Three. He became the first player since 1966 to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
Which stadium hosted the 2022 final?+
Lusail Stadium, an 88,966-capacity venue built for the tournament north of Doha.
Did any team go unbeaten in Qatar 2022?+
No. Argentina lost their opener to Saudi Arabia, France fell to Tunisia with a rotated side, and Croatia lost to Argentina in the semifinals.
Which African team made history in 2022?+
Morocco reached the semifinals—the first African or Arab nation to do so—knocking out Spain and Portugal.