I still remember watching the 2022 World Cup final with my heart pounding like crazy—that penalty shootout against France had me on the edge of my seat for what felt like an eternity. Having followed Argentine football for over two decades, I’ve witnessed both heartbreaking losses and unbelievable triumphs, but this particular victory felt different. It wasn’t just Messi finally lifting that coveted trophy; it was about an entire nation’s identity being validated on the global stage. When I think about Argentina’s relationship with soccer, it’s impossible to separate the sport from national pride. Every World Cup campaign carries the weight of 45 million people’s dreams, much like when Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala recently made history by reaching her first WTA final, declaring, “It’s my first WTA final and it’s a big deal for me and my country too, it’s the first time any Filipino has done anything [like it].” That sentiment resonates deeply with me when I reflect on Argentina’s journey—the pressure to represent, to break new ground, to make history for those who’ve never seen their flag raised in that particular way.
Argentina’s path to their third World Cup title was anything but straightforward. The tournament began with what I consider one of the biggest upsets in recent World Cup history—a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia that had many writing off La Albiceleste prematurely. I’ll admit, even I had my doubts after that match. The tactical approach seemed off, the energy was lacking, and Messi appeared isolated up front. But what impressed me most was how coach Lionel Scaloni and the team responded to that adversity. They didn’t panic or make sweeping changes; instead, they refined their system, particularly strengthening the midfield partnership between Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, which proved crucial throughout the remainder of the tournament. The Netherlands quarterfinal was particularly nerve-wracking—going up 2-0, conceding two late goals, surviving extra time, and then that intense penalty shootout where Emiliano Martínez cemented his status as a national hero with two spectacular saves.
What many casual observers miss when analyzing Argentina’s success is the psychological transformation this team underwent. The 2021 Copa América victory was the turning point in my view—that’s when this group truly learned how to win together. Before that tournament, Argentina had gone 28 years without a major trophy, carrying what I call the “Messi burden”—this overwhelming pressure for their superstar to single-handedly deliver success. The Copa victory changed the team dynamics fundamentally; it wasn’t just Messi’s team anymore, it was a collective where players like Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero, and Julián Álvarez stepped up as crucial contributors. The statistics bear this out—during the World Cup, Argentina had 12 different goal scorers, demonstrating the depth that previous Argentine squads had lacked. The team’s xG (expected goals) of 15.7 was among the tournament’s highest, while their defensive organization improved dramatically as the tournament progressed, conceding only 4 goals in their final 5 matches after that initial Saudi Arabia shocker.
The final against France was arguably the greatest World Cup final I’ve ever witnessed, and I’ve been watching religiously since 1978. Argentina’s first 80 minutes were near-perfect tactically—they neutralized Mbappé, controlled midfield, and executed their game plan flawlessly with a 2-0 lead. Then came what I can only describe as the most dramatic 10-minute collapse I’ve seen in a final, with Mbappé scoring twice to force extra time. The mental fortitude Argentina showed to recover from that setback was extraordinary. Messi’s goal in the 108th minute should have been the winner, but Mbappé’s equalizer from the penalty spot three minutes later set up that unforgettable shootout. Martínez’s psychological gamesmanship before the penalties, his trash talk and mind games—while controversial—demonstrated the marginal gains that championship teams often exploit. Argentina’s 4-2 penalty victory wasn’t just luck; it was the culmination of a deliberate strategy, with players reportedly practicing penalties for months under high-pressure simulations.
Looking back, this victory represents something larger than just another trophy in the cabinet. Argentina’s third star completes what I consider football’s most compelling generational narrative—Messi’s journey from that teenage prodigy in 2006 to finally achieving the one honor that had eluded him. The emotional scenes of him embracing his family after the match, the images of millions flooding the streets of Buenos Aires—these moments transcend sport. They remind me why I fell in love with football in the first place. When a team carries the hopes of an entire nation and delivers under immense pressure, it creates legends that endure for generations. Argentina’s 2022 triumph wasn’t just about technical superiority; it was about resilience, identity, and that intangible quality that separates great teams from legendary ones. The numbers—3 World Cup titles, 15 Copa América victories, 20 consecutive matches unbeaten before the Saudi loss—only tell part of the story. The real magic lies in how this team captured the world’s imagination and completed one of sport’s great redemption arcs.
