The 2022 FIFA World Cup will forever be remembered as Lionel Messi’s final crowning moment. One of the greatest football players of all time added the only missing jewel to his trophy cabinet, as he carried Argentina to their third World Cup crown, and the first since Diego Maradona’s famous triumph in 1986. After an unbelievable 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their first group game, Messi and Argentina went on a rollercoaster run, all the way to the title.
The final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is also one of the most memorable in history. It finished 3-3 after extra time between France and Argentina, before the latter won on penalties. France’s Kylian Mbappe was just as superhuman as Messi during the tournament. He singlehandedly made the world stop with a stunning hattrick in the World Cup final.
No FIFA World Cup is without its historic and romantic storylines, and 2022 was no different. Morocco made history, becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup. They were the giant-killers of the tournament, beating Spain and Portugal along the way; the latter result left Cristiano Ronaldo – Messi’s age-old rival – in tears.
After silver in 2018, Luka Modric led Croatia to bronze in 2022. Their golden generation was on its last legs, but still had time for a final hurrah.
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 7 | |
| Senegal | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 6 | |
| Ecuador | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Qatar | 3 | 3 | 1 | 7 |