What did Yamal say to Messi at World Cup final? ‘Thank...

What did Yamal say to Messi at World Cup final? ‘Thank you for everything’ - Al Jazeera

Match Overview: Argentina vs. France World Cup Final

The 2022 FIFA World Cup final on December 18, 2022, saw Argentina triumph over France in a captivating encounter at Lusail Stadium. The match is widely regarded as one of the greatest finals in World Cup history, culminating in Lionel Messi securing his elusive World Cup title.

The game concluded 3-3 after extra time, with Argentina ultimately winning 4-2 in a penalty shootout. The high-stakes clash delivered constant drama and historic individual performances.

Key Match Statistics

Full-Time Score & Scorers

Argentina 3 - 3 France (AET)
Argentina wins 4-2 on penalties
Goals:
- Lionel Messi (ARG): 23’ (pen), 108’
- Ángel Di María (ARG): 36’
- Kylian Mbappé (FRA): 80’ (pen), 81’, 118’ (pen)

Core Game Stats

Possession: Argentina 46% - 54% France
Total Shots: Argentina 20 - 10 France
Shots on Target: Argentina 10 - 5 France
Fouls: Argentina 26 - 19 France
Yellow Cards: Argentina 4 - 3 France
Pass Accuracy: Argentina 82% - 87% France

Player Milestones

Lionel Messi (Argentina): Scored his 26th goal in major international tournaments, surpassing Pelé. He became the first player to score in every round of a single World Cup (group stage, round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final, final). Awarded the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player.
Kylian Mbappé (France): Became only the second player in World Cup final history to score a hat-trick (Geoff Hurst, 1966). Secured the Golden Boot with 8 goals, surpassing Messi’s 7.

Player Spotlight & Legacy Impact

Lionel Messi: The Culmination

The 2022 World Cup final marked the pinnacle of Lionel Messi’s illustrious career. His two goals and leadership were instrumental in Argentina’s victory, fulfilling a lifelong ambition and cementing his status as arguably the greatest player of all time. His emotional celebration resonated globally, signifying the end of a long quest for the sport’s most prestigious trophy.

Kylian Mbappé: Historic Resilience

Despite France’s loss, Kylian Mbappé’s performance was extraordinary. His hat-trick showcased remarkable resilience and individual brilliance, almost single-handedly bringing France back into the game on multiple occasions. At just 23, he further established himself as a generational talent and future global superstar.

The Yamal Connection: Inspiring a Generation

Messi’s monumental performance in the 2022 World Cup final solidified his status as an all-time great, profoundly influencing a new generation of footballers. Among them is Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal. The young winger, who has since emerged as one of football’s brightest prospects, has publicly expressed his deep admiration and gratitude for Messi’s career and inspiration, famously stating, “Thank you for everything.” This sentiment highlights the profound and lasting impact Messi’s legacy, particularly his World Cup triumph, has had on aspiring athletes like Yamal.