Argentina v France, The very best World Cup Final

The 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup got off to a rocky start. Qatar, a small Arab country with no soccer history, was a strange choice in 2010. As it turned out, FIFA members were bribed to vote for Qatar, casting a shadow over both the governing body and the event. There were several other controversies, including the treatment and reported death of thousands of migrant workers, mostly from South Asia, who helped build the tournament's much-needed infrastructure. In addition, the LGBTQ community's treatment and alcohol consumption were scrutinized.

After a number of upsets and penalty kick shootouts, the four-week, 32-team, 64-game tournament concluded with Argentina defeating France in a penalty kick shootout in what has been called the greatest World Cup game ever played. Argentina won its third World Cup, and first since 1986, by defeating the defending champions. Only Brazil has five titles, while Germany and Italy each have four. The World Cup, like most major sporting events, had several compelling storylines, none more so than Argentina's Lionel Messi.

Playing in his fifth and final World Cup, Messi, 35, helped cement his place as soccer's greatest player. This year, Messi became the first male to score in all five rounds of the World Cup, including the Group Stage, Round of 16, Quarterfinal, Semifinal, and Final. Messi has set new records for games played (26), minutes played (2,314), and goals/assists in his World Cup career (20). Furthermore, Messi became the first player to win two Golden Balls (as best player).