Argentina’s 2022 World Cup Triumph: A Deep Dive into Their Qatar Journey

Argentina secured their third World Cup title in Qatar, a victory that capped Lionel Messi's illustrious career and marked the end of a period of European dominance in the tournament. Michael Cox's analysis, the final installment of a series on World Cup winners, delves into the tactical nuances, individual heroics, and dramatic narrative that defined Argentina's journey.

The road to Qatar saw Argentina embark on a remarkable 36-game unbeaten streak, a run that was abruptly halted by a surprising 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match. This early setback prompted manager Lionel Scaloni to adapt his team's approach and personnel, ultimately leading them to glory.

Por que importa

Scaloni's managerial journey itself is noteworthy. With only one World Cup appearance as a player and limited prior managerial experience, his appointment was met with some surprise. However, he guided Argentina through a challenging Copa America campaign before being tasked with leading the team to the World Cup. His tactical flexibility was a hallmark of Argentina's campaign, with the team employing various formations, including 4-4-2, 4-3-3, and 5-3-2, depending on the opponent and match situation.

Key player contributions were instrumental. Enzo Fernandez, initially a substitute, brought much-needed balance to the midfield upon his introduction against Mexico. Alexis Mac Allister also became a regular starter, forming a dynamic partnership with Fernandez. Upfront, Julian Alvarez emerged as a crucial figure, offering pace and goal-scoring threat that complemented Messi's playmaking abilities.

Contexto

Lionel Messi, in his quest to win the one major trophy missing from his collection, delivered a series of outstanding performances. He scored seven goals, including four penalties, and consistently stepped up when his team needed him most. His contributions ranged from crucial goals to inspiring playmaking, such as a memorable assist for Nahuel Molina against the Netherlands and a decisive dribble against Croatia. While not on the same scale as Diego Maradona's iconic 1986 campaign, this was undoubtedly Messi's tournament.

Argentina utilized a broad squad throughout the competition, with 24 different players featuring in matches. Only the reserve goalkeepers, Franco Armani and Geronimo Rulli, did not see playing time. The introduction of five substitutes per match in this World Cup proved to be a strategic advantage for many teams, and Argentina leveraged this rule effectively.

The final match against France was a captivating spectacle, often described as feeling like four separate games within one. Argentina established a commanding 2-0 lead, with Angel Di Maria playing a significant role after recovering from injury. His presence on the left flank proved particularly effective, contributing to the penalty that Messi converted and scoring the second goal himself.

However, France mounted a stunning comeback in the latter stages of the second half, with Kylian Mbappe scoring two goals in quick succession to level the score. The match then descended into a thrilling period of extra time, where both teams had opportunities to clinch victory. Messi scored again to put Argentina ahead, only for Mbappe to complete his hat-trick with another penalty, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout.

Datos clave
| Aspecto | Detalle |
|—|—|
| Ganador | Argentina |
| Año | 2022 |
| Sede | Qatar |
| Jugador Clave | Lionel Messi |
| Técnico | Lionel Scaloni |

This victory for Argentina is significant for football fans worldwide, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of a team built around its iconic captain. It also highlights the evolving nature of the World Cup, with tactical innovations and individual brilliance playing equally vital roles in determining the ultimate champion.

Fuente: The Athletic – How Argentina won the 2022 World Cup: Penalty shootouts, that Martinez save and Messi’s crowning glory – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7317733/2026/05/31/history-of-world-cup-winners-argentina-2022/

Datos clave