Event/Match Date & Time: December 18, 2022, 7:00 PM local time (Lusail Stadium, Qatar) – 2022 FIFA World Cup Final.
Quick Summary
The argentina national football team vs france national football team lineups delivered one of football’s greatest spectacles. Argentina triumphed 3-3 (a.e.t.) before winning 4-2 on penalties to claim their third World Cup. Lionel Messi scored twice and set up the third; Kylian Mbappé hit a hat-trick in reply. Emiliano Martínez’s heroics in the shootout sealed it.
Final Result: Argentina 4 – France 2 (penalties) | Attendance: ~89,000 | Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland). Top Performers: Messi (2 goals, 1 assist), Mbappé (3 goals), Di María (1 goal, tireless pressing). Turning Point: France’s 97-second double salvo in the 80th-81st minutes forced extra time, but Argentina’s midfield control and Martínez’s saves proved decisive.
Key Players, Teams & Lineups {#key-players}
The argentina national football team vs france national football team lineups showcased contrasting philosophies: Argentina’s fluid 4-3-3 built on midfield balance and Messi magic; France’s 4-2-3-1 relied on explosive transitions and Mbappé’s pace.
Argentina (4-3-3)
- GK: Emiliano Martínez
- RB: Nahuel Molina
- CB: Cristian Romero
- CB: Nicolás Otamendi
- LB: Nicolás Tagliafico
- CM: Rodrigo De Paul
- CM: Enzo Fernández
- CM: Alexis Mac Allister
- RW: Ángel Di María
- ST: Julián Álvarez
- LW: Lionel Messi (c)
France (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Hugo Lloris (c)
- RB: Jules Koundé
- CB: Raphaël Varane
- CB: Dayot Upamecano
- LB: Theo Hernández
- DM: Aurélien Tchouaméni
- DM: Adrien Rabiot
- RW: Ousmane Dembélé
- AM: Antoine Griezmann
- LW: Kylian Mbappé
- ST: Olivier Giroud
Substitutes played pivotal roles: Argentina brought on Gonzalo Montiel (penalty hero) and others; France introduced Marcus Thuram and others for fresh legs.
Game Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | 2022 FIFA World Cup Final |
| Venue | Lusail Stadium, Qatar |
| Attendance | ~89,000 |
| Weather | Clear, 20°C (cool evening) |
| Ball Possession | Argentina 54% – France 46% |
| Shots (on target) | Argentina 20 (10) – France 10 (5) |
| Corners | Argentina 6 – France 5 |
| Yellow Cards | Argentina 5 – France 3 |
Half-by-Half Breakdown & Extra Time
First Half: Argentina Dominate Early (0-2 at HT) Argentina pressed high, Di María and Messi combined brilliantly. Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot (23′) after a foul on Di María. Di María himself made it 2-0 (36′) with a composed finish after a sweeping team move. France looked disjointed; Griezmann and Mbappé were isolated.
Second Half: France’s Dramatic Comeback (80′-81′) France pushed forward. Mbappé converted a penalty (80′) after a handball, then equalized 97 seconds later with a thunderous volley (81′). The argentina national football team vs france national football team lineups suddenly produced end-to-end chaos. Argentina held firm but couldn’t find a third.
Extra Time: Messi Restores Lead, Mbappé Levels Again Messi pounced on a rebound (108′) to make it 3-2. Mbappé completed his hat-trick from the spot (118′) after a foul on Kolo Muani. The match became the first World Cup final with six goals in normal/extra time.
Penalties: Martínez the Hero Argentina: Messi (scored), Dybala (scored), Paredes (scored), Montiel (scored). France: Mbappé (scored), Coman (saved), Tchouaméni (saved), Kolo Muani (saved). Martínez’s mind games and two crucial saves clinched the trophy.
What made these lineups special? The argentina national football team vs france national football team lineups perfectly mirrored each coach’s vision—Scaloni’s balance vs Deschamps’ counter-attacking firepower.
Where was it played? Lusail Stadium, a futuristic 80,000-seat arena built for the tournament.
When did it happen? December 18, 2022—exactly 36 years after Argentina’s last World Cup win in 1986.
Why does it still matter in 2026? As both nations prepare for the expanded World Cup, fans still debate how those starting XIs would look today with evolved squads.
How did the lineups decide the outcome? Argentina’s midfield trio (De Paul-Fernández-Mac Allister) outworked France’s double pivot, while Messi’s genius and Martínez’s heroics turned individual brilliance into collective glory. The argentina national football team vs france national football team lineups proved tactics, heart, and big-moment players matter more than star power alone.
Standout Performances & Stats Tables {#standout}
Highlight Standout Performances
| Player | Team | Key Metrics | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 2 goals, 1 assist, 1 MOTM | Captain’s masterclass |
| Kylian Mbappé | France | 3 goals (hat-trick) | Youngest player to score WC final hat-trick |
| Ángel Di María | Argentina | 1 goal, high pressing | Retired from international duty post-final |
| Emiliano Martínez | Argentina | 2 saves in pens | Penalty hero & Golden Glove contender |
| Enzo Fernández | Argentina | 90+ minutes control | World Cup breakout star |
Performance Comparisons
- Midfield Dominance: Argentina’s trio completed 85%+ pass accuracy and won more duels.
- Attacking Efficiency: France created fewer chances but converted at a higher rate thanks to Mbappé.
- Defensive Resilience: Argentina conceded only after 79 minutes despite France’s quality.
Clutch Moments & Key Decisions
The argentina national football team vs france national football team lineups produced clutch drama in every phase. Messi’s first-half penalty and Di María’s goal set the tone. France’s lightning comeback forced extra time—Mbappé’s second and third goals were world-class. In the shootout, Scaloni’s decision to trust Montiel and Martínez’s psychological edge proved genius. These moments turned the argentina national football team vs france national football team lineups into instant folklore.
As of 2026, both teams have evolved. Projected 2026 World Cup squads (per ESPN analysis) show Argentina retaining core stars like Martínez, Romero, Mac Allister, and Messi (if fit), while France builds around Mbappé, Tchouaméni, and new talents like Zaire-Emery.
Conclusion
The argentina national football team vs france national football team lineups from December 18, 2022, transcended sport. They gave us a final for the ages, Messi’s crowning moment, and Mbappé’s superstar arrival. Argentina’s tactical discipline and mental strength overcame France’s individual brilliance. That night in Lusail reminded us why we love football: unpredictable, emotional, and unforgettable.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, fans eagerly await if these two giants meet again. Until then, the 2022 argentina national football team vs france national football team lineups remain the benchmark for what elite international football looks like.
FAQs
Q1: What were the exact argentina national football team vs france national football team lineups in the 2022 final?
A: Argentina started in 4-3-3 with Martínez in goal and Messi leading the attack; France used 4-2-3-1 featuring Mbappé and Griezmann.
Q2: Who won the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France?
A: Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
Q3: How many goals did Kylian Mbappé score in the final?
A: Three – a hat-trick that nearly stole the show.
Q4: Did the france national football team vs argentina national football team lineups change much during the match?
A: Both coaches used all five substitutes; key changes included Montiel for Argentina and attacking reinforcements for France.
Q5: Where can I see full stats from the argentina national football team vs france national football team lineups match?
A: Official FIFA and ESPN reports provide detailed possession, shots, and player ratings.
Q6: Will Argentina and France meet again in 2026?
A: Possible in the group stage or knockout rounds—both are strong contenders.
Q7: Who was Man of the Match in the 2022 final?
A: Lionel Messi.
Q8: What formation did Argentina use in the final?
A: A dynamic 4-3-3 that emphasized midfield control.
Q9: How did Emiliano Martínez influence the penalty shootout?
A: Two crucial saves and psychological pressure on French takers.
Q10: Are the 2022 lineups still relevant for 2026 analysis?
A: Absolutely—core players remain, though both squads have evolved.
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