Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after defeating France in a penalty shootout on Dec. 18, 2022 [2].
The victory cemented the legacy of the national team and its captain, Lionel Messi, by reclaiming the world title through tactical discipline and leadership.
Argentina scored 15 goals throughout the tournament [3]. Lionel Messi contributed significantly to that tally, scoring seven goals [1] — the most by any Argentine player in a single World Cup [1]. While some reports listed his total at six, other records confirm the higher count [1].
The tournament concluded in a high-stakes final where Messi played a pivotal role. Michael Cox of The New York Times – Athletic said, "Messi's crowning glory was his performance in the final, where he delivered the decisive penalty and lifted the trophy for Argentina."
The match ended in a shootout to determine the champion. After Gonzalo Montiel converted the winning penalty, head coach Lionel Scaloni said, "We are champions."
Argentina's path to the trophy relied on a combination of defensive stability and the offensive output of the Albiceleste. The team's success in Qatar served as a culmination of years of tactical preparation under Scaloni's management.
“"We are champions,"”
The 2022 victory represents a historic shift for Argentina, validating the tactical evolution of the squad under Lionel Scaloni and finalizing the professional legacy of Lionel Messi on the global stage.
