Lionel Messi in FIFA World Cup finals: From Germany heartbreak to France heroics

Lionel Messi's 2022 performance was more clinical than Argentina's 2014 World Cup final defeat to Germany.

Published on: Jul 19, 2026, 11:14:13 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Lionel Messi is set to play in his third FIFA World Cup final, as defending champions Argentina take on Spain. The 39-year-old has been his side's main man in this campaign, once again proving that age is just a number.

In Qatar, Lionel Messi had a more complete performance. (AP)

He is currently second in the Golden Boot race and the all-time World Cup goalscorers list. Kylian Mbappe occupies the top spot after his brace in the third-place playoff vs England, taking his campaign tally to 10 (22 overall). Messi has eight goals and 21 goals overall.

Also Read: Lionel Messi sends one last message before World Cup final and it's impossible to ignore

At the 2022 final against Mbappe's France, Messi was pivotal, scoring twice as the match ended 3-3 in extra-time and Argentina won on penalties (4-2). Messi converted his penalty and also scored twice during the match.

He opened the scoring with a penalty and also netted a dramatic extra-time goal, which put Argentina 3-2 up. But then Mbappe equalised to make it 3-3, forcing extra-time.

Messi attempted five shots, out of which three were on target. He also made two key passes. He was adjudged as Man of the Match and also had a passing accuracy of 90 per cent (35 accurate passes).

His 2022 performance was more clinical than Argentina's 2014 World Cup final defeat to Germany. In 2014, Messi was named Player of the Tournament. In the final, he created many chances for his teammates, but they failed to convert, and he was a huge threat on the counterattack.

He registered four shots, none of which were on target. He also made three key passes and had a total passing accuracy of 80 per cent (32 accurate passes), and played the full 120 minutes.

Overall influence in decisive moments

The main difference between Messi's displays in the two finals was his overall influence in decisive moments. In 2014, he was the sole creative outlet and had to often drop deep to collect possession before taking his team forward. Argentina could also have beaten Germany, or at least taken the game to penalties. Gonzalo Higuain and Rodrigo Palacios missed sitters.

In Qatar, Messi had a more complete performance. Lionel Scaloni has built the team so that Messi doesn't need to just orchestrate attacks. He needs to mix playmaking with ruthless finishing. His teammates can also turn up with assists, something that wasn't present during the Sergio Aguero and Higuain era.

In Brazil, he was reliant on dribbling and bursts of acceleration. By 2022, his game became more measured as he picked his moments carefully, controlling the tempo and also delivering in decisive moments.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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