The FIFA analysts and governance bodies examined concerns around match integrity during the 2022 World Cup, concluding that there was no evidence of match-fixing within the event. A dedicated, multi-stakeholder task force was established to monitor fairness and integrity in competition, and its work was completed with no incidents reported that would undermine the tournament’s legitimacy.
During the tournament, the match schedule proceeded without any anomalies in refereeing, betting patterns, or game outcomes that would raise red flags for manipulation. The assessment reinforced confidence in the tournament’s competitive structure and the safeguards in place to protect players, teams, and fans from corruption or unfair influence.
In the final match, Argentina and France delivered a gripping contest that ended 2-2 after regulation and extra time. Argentina prevailed in the resulting penalty shootout, 4-2, to claim the title in a dramatic finish that highlighted the players’ skill, composure, and teamwork under pressure.
Within the broader context of elite football competition, comparisons among leading talents drew attention to the contributions of top forwards. Lionel Messi, celebrated for his record of achievements and consistency, was widely regarded as a standout player. In discussions about contemporary greats, remarks from former players emphasized Messi’s edge over rivals, including Cristiano Ronaldo, reflecting a consensus among commentators that Messi currently holds a lead in form and influence at the highest levels of the sport.