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Argentina vs France: Messi vs Mbappé and the Battle for Glory

by Vincent
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Few football matches in history have captured the imagination of fans, like the 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France. The clash was more than just a battle for the most prestigious trophy in football; it was a duel between two of the sport’s biggest stars—Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. Their contrasting styles, experience levels, and leadership roles added to the intrigue, making Argentina vs France one of the most thrilling encounters in World Cup history.

Beyond that epic showdown, the rivalry between these two teams has continued, extending to events like the Argentina vs France Olympics football competitions. With both national teams boasting world-class talent, their encounters remain must-watch spectacles.

In this article, we will break down the thrilling 2022 final, explore how both players influenced the game, analyze Argentina national football team vs France national football team lineups, and look ahead to their future encounters, including in the Olympics.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final: A Historic Encounter

Dubbed by many as the greatest World Cup final ever, the Argentina vs France clash in Qatar showcased pure drama. Argentina dominated the first half, with Lionel Messi opening the scoring through a penalty, followed by a beautifully constructed goal finished by Ángel Di María. It seemed like Argentina would cruise to victory, but the resilience of the French squad, led by Kylian Mbappé, changed everything in the closing moments.

Mbappé, with an astonishing performance, scored twice in under two minutes to level the match at 2-2. His pace, technique, and clinical finishing sent shockwaves through the stadium. The game went into extra time, where Messi once again put Argentina ahead, only for Mbappé to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot. With the match tied at 3-3, the final went to penalties, where Argentina emerged victorious, cementing Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

Messi vs Mbappé: A Battle for the Ages

The World Cup final not only pitted Argentina against France but also highlighted the brilliance of Messi and Mbappé.

Lionel Messi: The Architect of Argentina’s Victory

Messi’s ability to control the tempo, create scoring opportunities, and deliver in clutch moments was pivotal for Argentina. He played a part in all three of his team’s goals, showcasing his vision and composure. The final cemented his status as one of football’s greatest icons, finally adding the one trophy missing from his illustrious career.

Kylian Mbappé: A Phenomenal Performance

Despite being on the losing side, Mbappé’s hat-trick in the final was a testament to his world-class ability. At just 23 years old, he demonstrated leadership and an unyielding spirit. His goals kept France alive, proving that he is more than ready to take over as the future face of football.

Tactical Breakdown: Argentina National Football Team vs France National Football Team Lineups

Argentina’s Lineup and Strategy

Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, set up a compact and disciplined team to neutralize France’s attacking threats. The starting XI featured:

  • Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
  • Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Acuña
  • Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister are midfielders. 
  • Forwards: Ángel Di María, Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez

Di María played a crucial role in attacking transitions, while Messi operated in a free role, dictating play and linking up with Álvarez in attack.

France’s Lineup and Strategy

Didier Deschamps’ France vs Argentina strategy relied on counterattacks and the speed of their wingers. The starting XI was:

  • Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris
  • Defenders: Jules Koundé, Raphaël Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernández
  • Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot, Antoine Griezmann
  • Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappé

Mbappé’s blistering pace caused constant problems for Argentina’s defense, while Griezmann played a key role in linking midfield to attack.

Argentina vs France Olympics: A New Battlefield

The football rivalry between Argentina and France extends beyond the World Cup. They have faced off in Olympic competitions as well, where young talents aim to make their mark. With the Argentina vs France Olympics football tournament approaching, fans are eager to see how the next generation of stars will shape this rivalry.

France will likely build their squad around rising talents from Ligue 1 and beyond, while Argentina, known for its footballing pipeline, will seek to showcase new gems. While it may not carry the same global prestige as a World Cup final, an Olympic face-off will add another thrilling chapter to their footballing history.

Conclusion

The Argentina vs France rivalry, exemplified by the Messi vs Mbappé duel, has become one of the defining narratives in modern football. Their 2022 World Cup final will forever be remembered as an all-time classic, while their future clashes, including in the Argentina vs France Olympics, promise to be equally exciting.

With Messi cementing his legacy and Mbappé leading the next generation, the footballing world will eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this rivalry. No matter when or where they meet, Argentina vs France will always be a spectacle filled with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments.

FAQs

1. How many times have Argentina and France faced each other in World Cups?

Argentina and France have played four times in FIFA World Cups, with Argentina winning twice and France winning twice, including their 2018 encounter in the Round of 16.

2. Who scored the goals in the 2022 World Cup final?

Lionel Messi (2) and Ángel Di María scored for Argentina, while Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick for France.

3. What was the final result of the Argentina vs France 2022 World Cup match?

Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in extra time.

4. How does Argentina vs France compare to other grand World Cup finals?

The 2022 final is widely considered one of the greatest World Cup finals due to its drama, star performances, and unpredictable twists.

5. What are the expectations for Argentina vs France in future competitions?

Both nations will remain among the world’s best, and potential clashes in tournaments like the Olympics, Copa América, and UEFA Euro will continue to captivate football fans.

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