The debate over the greatest World Cup final has lasted for decades, with legendary matches such as England vs West Germany in 1966, Brazil vs Italy in 1970, and Argentina vs West Germany in 1986 often mentioned. However, after the unforgettable 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France, many fans, players, and football experts now believe they have witnessed the greatest World Cup final ever played. FIFA itself described the match as one of the greatest finals in the tournament’s history.
But what made this final so extraordinary? Let’s revisit the match that captivated more than a billion viewers and cemented its place in football history.
Why the Greatest World Cup Final Still Sparks Debate
Every World Cup final is remembered for different reasons.
Some are remembered for tactical brilliance.
Others for controversy.
Some produced legendary individual performances.
The greatest World Cup final combines all of these elements:
- High-quality football
- World-class players
- Dramatic momentum swings
- Historic achievements
- Extra time
- Penalty shootout drama
- A memorable storyline
The 2022 final delivered every one of those ingredients.
Argentina vs France (2022): A Final for the Ages
Date: December 18, 2022
Venue: Lusail Stadium, Qatar
Final Score: Argentina 3–3 France (Argentina won 4–2 on penalties)
The stage could not have been bigger.
Lionel Messi was chasing the only major trophy missing from his career.
France hoped to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
Kylian Mbappé was attempting to establish himself as football’s next global superstar.
What followed exceeded every expectation.
A Dominant Argentine Performance
Argentina controlled the first hour of the match.
Their pressing suffocated France.
Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández dominated midfield.
Messi calmly converted a first-half penalty before Ángel Di María finished a beautiful counterattack to make it 2-0.
By the 80th minute, the match appeared finished.
Many neutral fans believed Argentina were moments away from becoming world champions.
Mbappé Changed Everything in Two Minutes
Then came one of the greatest bursts of attacking football ever seen in a World Cup final.
In the 80th minute, France received a penalty.
Kylian Mbappé scored.
Less than two minutes later, Mbappé produced a stunning volley to make it 2-2.
In just 97 seconds, France had completely transformed the match.
A final that looked comfortably won suddenly became one of the most dramatic football matches ever played.
Extra Time Produced More Drama
Even after the dramatic comeback, the match still had another chapter.
Lionel Messi scored in extra time after Hugo Lloris could only parry Lautaro Martínez’s shot.
Argentina led 3-2.
Surely this time it was over.
Again, Mbappé had other ideas.
A handball inside the penalty area gave France another spot kick.
Mbappé completed his hat-trick, becoming only the second player in history to score three goals in a men’s World Cup final.
The score was now 3-3.
Football fans around the world could hardly believe what they were watching.
Emiliano Martínez’s Defining Save
Deep into extra time, France nearly won it.
Randal Kolo Muani found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Martínez produced one of the greatest saves in World Cup history with his left leg.
Had the ball gone in, France would almost certainly have retained the trophy.
Instead, the save kept Argentina alive.
Many now regard it as one of the defining moments of the tournament.
Penalty Shootout Glory
The match eventually went to penalties.
Argentina converted all four of their kicks.
Emiliano Martínez saved Kingsley Coman’s effort.
Aurélien Tchouaméni missed the target.
Gonzalo Montiel calmly converted the winning penalty.
Lionel Messi finally lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy after five attempts.
The image of Messi holding the trophy instantly became one of football’s most iconic photographs.
Lionel Messi Completed Football
Before Qatar 2022, critics often argued that Messi needed a World Cup to complete his legacy.
He answered in spectacular fashion.
During the tournament, Messi:
- Won the Golden Ball.
- Scored seven goals.
- Assisted three more.
- Became the first player to score in every knockout round of a single World Cup.
- Lifted Argentina’s third World Cup trophy.
The final represented the perfect ending to one of football’s greatest careers.
Kylian Mbappé Made History Despite Defeat
Although France lost, Mbappé produced one of the greatest individual performances ever seen in a World Cup final.
His achievements included:
- A hat-trick in the final.
- Winning the Golden Boot with eight tournament goals.
- Becoming the first player since 1966 to score three goals in a World Cup final.
Remarkably, he still finished on the losing side.
Why Many Call It the Greatest World Cup Final
Several factors separate the 2022 final from every other World Cup decider.
Incredible Quality
Both teams featured elite talent at every position.
Constant Momentum Swings
Argentina led 2-0.
France equalised.
Argentina led again.
France equalised again.
Very few finals have produced so many dramatic twists.
Two Global Superstars
The match became a symbolic passing of the torch between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.
Extra Time and Penalties
Many classic finals end comfortably.
This one required 120 minutes plus penalties to determine the winner.
Historic Individual Records
The final included:
- Messi winning the World Cup.
- Mbappé scoring a hat-trick.
- Emiliano Martínez producing a legendary save.
- Argentina winning their third World Cup.
These achievements have led many observers to rank it above all previous finals.
Other Candidates for the Greatest World Cup Final
Although 2022 is widely regarded as the greatest, several other finals deserve recognition.
England 4–2 West Germany (1966)
- Geoff Hurst scored the only hat-trick in a World Cup final.
- Included the famous “Wembley Goal.”
- England won their first and only World Cup.
Brazil 4–1 Italy (1970)
Many consider Brazil’s 1970 side the greatest international team ever assembled.
Pelé inspired a breathtaking performance that showcased attacking football at its finest.
Argentina 3–2 West Germany (1986)
Diego Maradona guided Argentina to victory in a thrilling contest that featured a dramatic German comeback before Jorge Burruchaga scored the decisive goal.
West Germany 3–2 Hungary (1954)
Known as the “Miracle of Bern,” this remains one of the biggest upsets in football history after Hungary’s legendary side surrendered a 2-0 lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered the greatest World Cup final?
Many football fans and analysts consider Argentina’s 3-3 victory over France on penalties in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final to be the greatest World Cup final because of its drama, quality, and historic individual performances.
Why was the 2022 World Cup final so special?
The match featured six goals, two dramatic comebacks, a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi’s crowning achievement, extra time, and a penalty shootout.
Who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup final?
Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties after the match finished 3-3 following extra time.
Did Messi win the Golden Ball?
Yes. Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball as the best player of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Final Thoughts
The search for the greatest World Cup final has always been subjective, but Argentina versus France in 2022 set a new standard. It combined elite football, unforgettable drama, legendary individual performances, and one of the most emotional endings the sport has ever seen.
Whether you supported Argentina, France, or simply watched as a neutral, the Lusail Stadium witnessed a match that will be remembered for generations. It wasn’t just a World Cup final, it was one of the greatest football matches ever played.