Argentina's Road To The World Cup 2022 Final: All Goals

What a tournament the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was, guys! And let's be real, Argentina's journey to lifting that coveted trophy was one for the history books. We saw grit, passion, and of course, goals, goals, goals! If you're wondering about every single time the Albiceleste found the back of the net on their path to glory, you've come to the right place. We're breaking down all of Argentina's goals from the 2022 World Cup, from the nail-biting group stages to that absolutely insane final. Get ready to relive some incredible moments, because Lionel Messi and Co. delivered an unforgettable performance that had the whole world watching.

The Group Stage: Getting Started with a Bang

Alright, let's kick things off with how Argentina's World Cup 2022 campaign began. It wasn't exactly smooth sailing from the get-go, remember that shock opening match? But they bounced back, and their group stage goals were crucial in building momentum. The first hurdle was Saudi Arabia, and even though it ended in a surprising defeat, the goals were coming. The big moment in the group stage came against Mexico, where Lionel Messi finally opened his 2022 World Cup goal account. It was a moment of pure brilliance, a curling left-footed shot that set the tone for what was to come. This goal wasn't just about getting on the scoreboard; it was about easing the pressure and reminding everyone of Messi's magic. The tension was palpable, and seeing that ball nestle into the back of the net was a huge release for the team and the fans. It showed their resilience after the Saudi Arabia upset, proving they could regroup and find their attacking rhythm. Following that, against Poland, they needed to secure their spot in the knockout rounds. While Messi missed a penalty, others stepped up. Nahuel Molina, a dynamic right-back, scored a fantastic goal against the Netherlands, showcasing the attacking threat from all areas of the pitch. Enzo Fernández then sealed the deal with a stunning strike, a powerful effort from outside the box that bent the ball into the top corner. These goals weren't just about winning matches; they were about building confidence and demonstrating the depth of talent within the squad. The group stage, despite its initial hiccup, ultimately served its purpose: getting Argentina through to the next round and igniting their quest for World Cup glory. Each goal scored here was a stepping stone, a testament to their fighting spirit and their determination to prove doubters wrong. We saw flashes of brilliance, crucial goals in tight matches, and the emergence of key players stepping up when it mattered most. It set the stage for the drama that was yet to unfold.

Round of 16: Overcoming Australia

Moving into the knockout stages, the pressure was on for Argentina. First up was Australia in the Round of 16, and this was a match where they really started to find their stride. Lionel Messi was, once again, the architect of the attack. He opened the scoring with a signature Messi goal – a precise finish into the bottom corner after a neat one-two with Matías Vecino. This goal was significant because it was his 1000th career appearance, making it even more special. It wasn't just about the goal itself, but the symbolism of him breaking through the Australian defense with his usual flair. Shortly after, Julián Álvarez, who was having a breakout tournament, doubled Argentina's lead with a scrappy but effective finish from close range after a goalkeeping error. This goal showcased Julián's predatory instincts and his ability to capitalize on chances, proving he was more than just a backup. It was a testament to his hard work and his knack for being in the right place at the right time. The team looked comfortable, in control, and defensively solid. While Australia did manage to pull one back late in the game, thanks to a deflected shot, Argentina held firm. This victory was important because it showed they could handle the pressure of a knockout match and that their attacking talent was firing on all cylinders. The goals scored here were a clear indication that Argentina was a serious contender, and the performance built confidence for the tougher tests ahead. It was a well-rounded team performance, with Messi leading the charge and younger players like Álvarez making their mark. The chemistry was evident, and the belief within the squad was growing with every passing minute and every goal scored.

Quarter-Finals: A Thrilling Clash Against the Netherlands

Now, let's talk about arguably one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament: Argentina vs. the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. This game had everything – tension, controversy, and absolutely sensational goals. Nahuel Molina put Argentina ahead with his first goal of the tournament, a fantastic finish after a brilliant through ball from Lionel Messi. It was a moment of pure quality, demonstrating Molina's attacking prowess and his understanding with Messi. This goal set the tone, and the team looked dominant for large parts of the match. Lionel Messi then doubled Argentina's lead from the penalty spot with an ice-cool finish, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. This goal was iconic, a display of nerve under immense pressure, and it put Argentina in a seemingly commanding 2-0 lead. It felt like the game was won. However, the Dutch had other ideas. Wout Weghorst scored two goals in the dying minutes, including a free-kick that stunned the Argentinian players and fans alike, forcing the match into extra time and then penalties. The sheer drama of those late goals from the Netherlands was heartbreaking for Argentina, but it also showed their resilience. In the penalty shootout, Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive penalty, sending Argentina through to the semi-finals. This goal, the penalty that sealed their victory, was a moment of immense pressure and triumph. It was a powerful strike that secured their passage and set up a semi-final showdown. The goals scored in this match were a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing both Argentina's brilliance and their ability to be tested even when leading. It was a true test of character, and they passed it, proving they had the mental fortitude to overcome adversity and keep their World Cup dream alive. The goals were memorable not just for their quality but for the context in which they were scored – a high-stakes, high-drama encounter.

Semi-Finals: Dominating Croatia

After the incredible drama of the quarter-finals, Argentina faced Croatia in the semi-finals, and they delivered a performance that was nothing short of masterful. This was a game where Lionel Messi truly took control and reminded everyone why he's considered one of the greatest. He opened the scoring with a thunderous penalty kick, sending the Croatian goalkeeper the wrong way with a confident strike. This goal was significant, moving him closer to the Golden Boot and further cementing his legacy in this tournament. It showed his composure under pressure, a recurring theme throughout their campaign. Shortly after, Julián Álvarez unleashed a moment of magic. He scored arguably one of the goals of the tournament, a sensational solo effort. After a swift counter-attack, Álvarez found himself with the ball and weaved through the Croatian defense, showing incredible skill and determination before slotting the ball home. This goal was a statement from the young striker, highlighting his growing confidence and his ability to produce moments of individual brilliance. It was a goal that had the commentators in awe and the fans on their feet. The second goal from Álvarez, assisted by the sublime Messi, was the icing on the cake. Messi, with his unparalleled vision and dribbling ability, danced past the Croatian defenders on the right flank before delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Álvarez, who finished it off with clinical precision. This goal perfectly encapsulated the team's synergy and Messi's ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Argentina's dominance was clear, and the goals scored reflected their superior performance. They controlled the game, dictated the tempo, and showcased their attacking prowess. Croatia, despite their quality, simply had no answer to Argentina's relentless pressure and clinical finishing. This victory secured their place in the World Cup final, a dream they had been chasing for years. The goals in this match were a testament to both individual brilliance and brilliant team play, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown.

The Grand Final: Thriller Against France

And then came the moment we were all waiting for: The 2022 World Cup Final! Argentina vs. France. What. A. Game. This was, without a doubt, one of the greatest finals in World Cup history, and Argentina's goals were absolutely breathtaking. Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot, calmly converting his chance after Ousmane Dembélé was adjudged to have fouled Ángel Di María. It was a clinical finish, putting Argentina ahead and injecting massive belief into the squad. Then came that goal, the one that will be replayed for generations. Ángel Di María, in a stunning display of attacking flair, finished off a lightning-fast counter-attack. He started the move, played a one-two, and then coolly slotted the ball past Hugo Lloris. It was a goal of pure artistry, a moment of individual brilliance that doubled Argentina's lead and had everyone thinking the cup was theirs. However, Kylian Mbappé, the French superstar, had other plans, scoring two quick goals to level the score and send the game into extra time. But Argentina wasn't done yet. In extra time, Lionel Messi scored his second goal of the match, poking the ball home after a save from Lloris following a scramble in the box. It looked like the winner, the fairytale ending. But again, Mbappé, with incredible composure, scored from the penalty spot to make it 3-3, forcing a penalty shootout. In the shootout, Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive penalty, the final goal of the 2022 World Cup for Argentina, securing their first World Cup title since 1986. This final goal was the culmination of years of hard work, heartbreak, and unwavering determination. The goals in this final were a testament to the incredible talent on display from both sides, a true spectacle of football that captivated the globe. It was a match where every goal mattered, every save was crucial, and the drama unfolded until the very last kick.