The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar marked a historic milestone for Argentine football—not just as a third World Cup title, but as the culmination of Lionel Messi’s decades-long quest to etch his name alongside Diego Maradona in the nation’s folklore. Argentina’s journey was far from a smooth march; it was a story of resilience, tactical evolution, and collective grit that turned early adversity into one of the most memorable championship runs in tournament history.
Phase 1: Group Stage – Humiliation, Reflection, and Rebirth
Argentina entered the World Cup as one of the pre-tournament favorites, boasting a squad that had won the 2021 Copa América and remained unbeaten for 36 matches. Yet their campaign began with a shocking setback: a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening Group C fixture. The defeat exposed critical flaws: a rigid 4-3-3 formation that left Messi isolated in attack, slow midfield build-up that allowed Saudi Arabia’s high press to disrupt play, and defensive lapses that conceded two quick goals in the first half.
It was a wake-up call for coach Lionel Scaloni. Rather than clinging to a winning formula, he embraced flexibility. For the second group match against Mexico, Scaloni shifted to a 5-3-2 formation, reinforcing the midfield with Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister—two young talents who would become linchpins of the team’s success. The change paid immediate dividends: Messi, freed from defensive duties, scored a sensational long-range strike in the 64th minute, and Enzo added a late goal to secure a 2-0 victory.
Against Poland in the final group game, Argentina solidified their control. Scaloni tweaked the system further, using Ángel Di María as a wide playmaker to stretch Poland’s defense. Though Messi missed a penalty, his influence was omnipresent—dictating tempo, drawing defenders, and creating chances for Julián Álvarez, who scored twice in a 2-0 win. The victory secured Argentina’s spot in the knockout stage, but more importantly, it forged a team identity: one that balanced Messi’s genius with the energy of young players and the experience of veterans like Nicolás Otamendi.
Phase 2: Knockout Stage – Clutch Moments and Tactical Mastery
The knockout rounds tested Argentina’s mental toughness as much as their skill. Each match presented a unique challenge, and Scaloni’s ability to adapt proved decisive.
Round of 16: Australia (2-1 Win)
Australia’s compact 5-4-1 defense aimed to nullify Messi, but Argentina’s patience prevailed. The key moment came in the 35th minute, when Messi broke free in the box to score his first knockout goal in a World Cup—ending a personal drought that had haunted him since 2014. Álvarez added a second goal shortly after, though Australia pulled one back late to set up a tense finish. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, later named the tournament’s best goalkeeper, made a crucial save in stoppage time to preserve the win. This match highlighted Argentina’s newfound composure under pressure: they did not panic after conceding, instead tightening their defense and managing the game’s tempo.
Quarterfinal: Netherlands (4-3 Penalties Win)
This match was a masterclass in tactical chess and emotional resilience. Argentina took a 2-0 lead through Messi (a penalty) and Álvarez, but the Netherlands—led by Louis van Gaal’s aggressive substitutions—rallied with two late goals to force extra time. Scaloni’s decision to bring on midfielder Leandro Paredes in the second half proved pivotal: Paredes added physicality to the midfield, breaking up Dutch attacks and relieving pressure on Argentina’s backline.
The penalty shootout, however, was where Argentina’s mental strength shone. Martínez, known for his penalty-saving heroics, denied Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis, while Messi, Enzo, and Paredes converted their spot-kicks. For Messi, this was a defining moment: he stepped up first, calm and clinical, setting the tone for his team. It was a sign of his growth as a leader—no longer just a goalscorer, but a figure who could steady his teammates in the most high-stakes moments.
Semifinal: Croatia (3-0 Win)
Against a Croatia side that had dominated Brazil in the quarterfinals, Argentina delivered their most complete performance of the tournament. Scaloni returned to a 4-3-3, but with a twist: Mac Allister and Enzo controlled the midfield, cutting off supply to Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić, while Di María and Álvarez exploited Croatia’s aging defense on the flanks.
Messi opened the scoring with a penalty in the 34th minute, but it was his all-around play that stood out—he completed 91% of his passes, won 10 duels, and created three clear chances. Álvarez added two more goals (one a brilliant solo effort) to seal the win. The 3-0 scoreline was not just a victory; it was a statement. Argentina had evolved from a team relying on Messi to a cohesive unit where every player contributed—defenders blocked shots, midfielders won tackles, and attackers finished chances.
Phase 3: Final – The Greatest Final Ever? Argentina vs. France
The final against defending champions France was a drama-filled spectacle that encapsulated Argentina’s entire journey: dominance, collapse, and redemption.
For 80 minutes, Argentina was in complete control. Scaloni’s decision to start Di María—who had missed the semifinal due to injury—proved inspired. Di María won a penalty in the 23rd minute (converted by Messi) and scored a stunning counterattack goal in the 36th minute, giving Argentina a 2-0 lead. France, disjointed and disorganized, looked unable to break down Argentina’s defense, with Otamendi and Cristian Romero neutralizing Kylian Mbappé.
Then, in the 80th minute, France’s coach Didier Deschamps made a game-changing substitution: bringing on Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani. The move shifted the momentum. Mbappé, who had been quiet all night, scored twice in 97 seconds (80th and 81st minutes)—the first from a penalty, the second from a volley—to level the score at 2-2. Suddenly, Argentina looked fragile, their lead evaporated in a blink.
Extra time brought more drama. Messi scored his second goal of the night in the 108th minute, tapping in after a scramble in the box, to put Argentina back ahead. But Mbappé completed his hat-trick in the 118th minute, again from the penalty spot, forcing the final to penalties—the first World Cup final to go to penalties since 2006.
In the shootout, Argentina’s resolve was unbreakable. Messi scored first, followed by Dybala, Martínez, and Montiel. Martínez, once again, was the hero: he saved Kingsley Coman’s penalty and watched as Aurélien Tchouameni’s effort sailed over the bar. When Montiel converted his spot-kick, Argentina erupted in joy—ending a 36-year wait for a World Cup title.
The Secrets Behind Argentina’s Triumph
Argentina’s victory was not just about Messi (though his 7 goals and 3 assists made him the tournament’s Golden Ball winner). It was a triumph of teamwork and tactical intelligence:
Scaloni’s Flexibility:
Unlike many top coaches, Scaloni was willing to abandon his preferred system when it failed. He adapted to opponents, using 4-3-3, 5-3-2, and even 4-4-2 formations to exploit weaknesses. His trust in young players like Enzo and Mac Allister—who had little World Cup experience—paid off, adding energy and freshness to the squad.
Defensive Solidarity:
Argentina conceded just 8 goals in 7 matches, with Martínez emerging as a world-class goalkeeper. The center-back pairing of Otamendi and Romero was physical and disciplined, while full-backs Nahuel Molina and Marcos Acuña balanced defense with attacking runs.
Messi’s Leadership:
At 35, Messi played his final World Cup with a newfound calm. He took responsibility in big moments (scoring 4 penalties) and elevated his teammates, creating chances for Álvarez (who scored 4 goals) and Di María. His post-match speeches—emphasizing collective effort over individual glory—united the team and the nation.
Mental Resilience:
From the Saudi loss to the Netherlands comeback, Argentina never gave up. They learned from their mistakes, stayed focused, and embraced pressure rather than fearing it. This mental toughness was the difference between winning and losing in the knockout stages.
Legacy: A New Chapter in Argentine Football
Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph is more than just a trophy. It cements Messi’s status as one of the greatest players of all time, placing him alongside Maradona in Argentine football lore. For the squad, it is a testament to the power of unity—mixing veterans (Messi, Otamendi) with young stars (Enzo, Álvarez) to create a team greater than the sum of its parts.
For Scaloni, it is a validation of his quiet, pragmatic approach. He built a team that played for each other, not just for individual glory. And for Argentine fans, it is a moment of redemption—ending years of heartbreak (including the 2014 final loss to Germany) and reaffirming their nation’s status as a footballing powerhouse.
As the confetti fell in Lusail, Messi lifted the World Cup trophy—teary-eyed, exhausted, but triumphant. It was a fitting end to a journey that had begun with doubt, but ended with glory. Argentina’s 2022 World Cup run will be remembered not just for the goals and wins, but for the resilience, teamwork, and spirit that turned a dream into reality.
