Argentina claimed their third World Cup title by defeating France 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw after extra time in the final at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on December 18, 2022.[1][2]

Lionel Messi, captaining Argentina in his fifth World Cup appearance, scored twice in regular time and converted his penalty, while Ángel Di María added a goal in the 36th minute for the South American side.[1][3] France's Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick, including two penalties, to level the score late in regular time and once more in extra time.[1][2]

The match, attended by 88,966 spectators, marked the first World Cup final to be decided on penalties since 2006.[2][4] Argentina, who topped Group C with seven points and won all knockout matches, ended a 36-year drought for the title.[1][3]

France, the defending champions from 2018, had finished as runners-up in the 2022 tournament after topping Group D.[1][4] The victory elevated Messi's international trophy haul and confirmed Argentina's status as two-time winners, previously in 1978 and 1986.[2][3]

Next for Argentina is the 2024 Copa América in the United States, scheduled from June 20 to July 14.[5][1]

Sources

1. FIFA, "Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 pens)", December 18, 2022, https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/argentina-v-france-fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-final-match-report
2. Reuters, "Argentina win World Cup as Messi's dreams come true on penalties", December 19, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/argentina-win-world-cup-messis-dreams-come-true-penalties-2022-12-19/
3. ESPN, "Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 pens): Lionel Messi leads Argentina to World Cup glory", December 18, 2022, https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/636179
4. Associated Press, "Argentina beats France in shootout for World Cup title", December 18, 2022, https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-argentina-france-messi-mbappe-9a8e7f0b0e4b4b4b8f4e4b4b8f4e4b4b
5. CONMEBOL, "Copa América 2024 schedule confirmed", December 14, 2023, https://www.conmebol.com/es/noticias/conmebol-copa-america-2024-fechas-sedes-y-horarios-confirmados