Ananya Lohia , Portugal - The final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final delivered one of football's most unforgettable nights as Lionel Messi finally fulfilled his lifelong dream of lifting the World Cup, guiding Argentina national football team to a dramatic victory over France national football team.

After suffering heartbreak in the 2014 final, Messi returned to football's biggest stage in Qatar determined to claim the one trophy missing from his glittering career. Despite Argentina's shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia, the team rallied behind their captain and fought their way to the final. Argentina dominated much of the title clash and took a 2-0 lead through Messi's penalty and a brilliant finish from Ángel Di María. France appeared out of the contest before Kylian Mbappé produced a stunning comeback, scoring twice in 97 seconds to force extra time.

Messi restored Argentina's advantage in the 108th minute, only for Mbappé to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot and make it 3-3. The match then produced another iconic moment when Emiliano Martínez made a remarkable late save to deny France a dramatic winner. In the penalty shootout, Martínez saved from Kingsley Coman while Aurélien Tchouaméni missed the target. Gonzalo Montiel then converted the decisive penalty to secure a 4-2 shootout win and Argentina's third World Cup title.

As Messi dropped to his knees in celebration, years of heartbreak finally gave way to glory. The Argentine legend lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time, completing one of the greatest careers in football history and cementing his status among the sport's all-time greats.