In Qatar 2022, Lionel Messi scored twice and claimed the Golden Ball, guiding Argentina to a historic World Cup triumph. Despite Kylian Mbappé’s hat‑trick, Messi’s decisive moments sealed the victory.

  • Messi netted two goals in the final, turning a 2‑0 lead into a 3‑2 win after extra time
  • Mbappé’s hat‑trick kept France alive, but Messi’s penalty clinched the advantage
  • The match attracted roughly 1.5 billion viewers, the largest audience for any sporting event

At Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the 2022 FIFA World Cup final pitted Argentina against France in a clash that will be remembered for generations. Lionel Messi rose to the occasion, delivering two crucial goals that defined the outcome.

The first strike came from the penalty spot in the 36th minute, followed by a second from Angel Di Maria, giving Argentina a 2‑0 cushion. France fought back, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice in the 80th minute to force extra time.

During extra time, Messi restored Argentina’s lead with a 108th‑minute goal, making it 3‑2. The match proceeded to a nerve‑wracking penalty shoot‑out, where both captains scored their first kicks, but French misses from Kingsley Coman and Aurélien Tchouaméni proved decisive.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Messi’s performance not only secured Argentina’s first World Cup since 1986 but also cemented his legacy as the most influential player of his generation, influencing sponsorship deals and youth football trends worldwide.

"Messi's performance redefines greatness in modern football."
Did You Know?: The 2022 final was watched by an estimated 1.5 billion people, more than twice the audience of any previous World Cup final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many people watched the 2022 World Cup final?

A: Approximately 1.5 billion viewers tuned in via television and digital platforms worldwide.

Q2: What role did Messi play in the penalty shoot‑out?

A: Messi took and scored Argentina’s first penalty, setting the tone and giving his team the confidence that ultimately led to victory.