The 2022 FIFA World Cup final match between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, marked the end of an era for the Argentine national team, particularly for their star player, Lionel Messi. After a thrilling run to the final, Argentina’s World Cup campaign came to an abrupt end, as Spain emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. The defeat was not only a heartbreaking conclusion to Messi’s World Cup dreams but also marked the end of a remarkable chapter in Argentine football history.

Argentina’s improbable run to the World Cup final was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. Despite being considered one of the weaker teams in the tournament, they managed to pull off a series of dramatic comebacks, including victories against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England. These victories were largely due to the team’s ability to absorb pressure and capitalize on refereeing fortune. However, their luck eventually ran out, and they were unable to overcome Spain’s superior team performance.

Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old Argentine legend, played a crucial role in the team’s World Cup campaign. Despite being past his prime, Messi’s experience and skill were invaluable to the team. He played a total of 120 minutes in the final, managing 54 touches on the ball, which is significantly lower than his average of 77.52 touches per game in the lead-up to the final. Messi’s reduced influence on the game was a stark contrast to his usual brilliance and was a testament to Spain’s ability to neutralize his threat.

Spain’s Dominant Performance

Spain’s victory in the World Cup final was a testament to their team’s superior organization and skill. They played a well-structured game, maintaining possession and passing their way around the Argentine defense. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, was in peak form, controlling the midfield and dictating the pace of the game. Argentina’s inability to pressure Rodri was a significant factor in their defeat, as he had free rein in midfield, which was a guarantee given his age and the fact that he had recovered slowly from an ACL injury.

Spain’s ability to render their opponents useless was evident in their dominance over Argentina. They took 12 shots in the second half alone, which was a stark contrast to Argentina’s two shots in the entire 120 minutes. This difference in shooting opportunities was a clear indication of Spain’s superiority over Argentina. The Spanish team’s ability to maintain possession and control the game was a testament to their well-structured team play.

Argentina’s decision to adopt a cynical strategy, absorbing as much pressure as possible and opting out of going forward, nearly worked in their favor. However, this approach ultimately led to their downfall, as Spain’s superior team play and organization allowed them to capitalize on Argentina’s defensive vulnerabilities. The Argentine team’s reliance on refereeing fortune and their inability to overcome Spain’s superior team performance ultimately led to their defeat.

Lionel Scaloni, the Argentine head coach, acknowledged the team’s failure to achieve their World Cup dreams. In an emotional press conference, he expressed his gratitude to the players and staff for their dedication and hard work. Scaloni also hinted at his possible departure from the team, stating that he would discuss his future with the Argentine Football Association president. The team’s captain, Lionel Messi, also looked overwhelmed by the occasion, likely due to the weight of his final World Cup appearance.

The World Cup final marked the end of an era for Argentine football, particularly for Messi and Scaloni. The team’s loss was a testament to Spain’s superior team play and organization. However, the defeat also provided an opportunity for the Argentine team to reset and reboot, which is essential for their future success.