On Sunday, the final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup will put France’s top forwards against the Argentine legends who have long defined a generation. The clash brings together the next era’s heir to the throne and a living icon, delivering a narrative that fans have followed for years. Mbappe is widely discussed as a potential successor to Messi’s crown, and the upcoming match is viewed by many as a defining moment for both players and their teams as the world watches the next chapter unfold.
Argentina and France reach the World Cup final with different paths but the same hunger for glory. The South American squad has faced the title on several occasions, winning the trophy on one occasion and tasting defeat in others. For France, the final marks a chance to add another triumph to a recent run of success that started with a deep run in the previous tournament and continued through the current campaign. The stage is set for a clash that could shape the perception of these two all-time greats and their teams as the dust settles on a tournament that has offered drama, brilliance, and memorable moments.
There have been moments when Messi and Mbappe stood on the same pitch in big matches before this final. The ongoing rivalry has produced several high-stakes encounters across club and national team play. Each confrontation has contributed to a growing narrative: Mbappe, still in the early stages of his prime, testing his limits against a player whose skill and creativity have inspired a generation of players and fans around the world.
Messi against Mbappe: a record of their clashes
- France 4-3 Argentina, World Cup Russia 2018 | The first meeting of the two stars on a World Cup stage showcased Mbappe’s breakout performance. In Moscow 2018, France’s 4-3 victory underscored Mbappe’s rapid ascent and his ability to threaten at every moment. The young forward scored twice, while Pavard and Griezmann added goals for France. For Argentina, Messi contributed with assists and a goal, underscoring the complexity of that game and the toll of a tactical mismatch faced by Argentina that day.
- Barcelona 1-4 PSG, Champions League 2020-21 | The clubs met again in the knockout stages, highlighting Mbappe’s extraordinary form in that tie. At the Camp Nou, Mbappe tallied three goals as PSG asserted control, with Kean adding the fourth. Messi opened the scoring for Barcelona from a penalty, marking a chapter in their evolving rivalry that balanced individual brilliance with strategic matchup outcomes.
- PSG 1-1 Barcelona, Champions League 2020-21 | In the second leg at Parc des Princes, Mbappe converted a penalty to put PSG ahead, while Messi equalized just before halftime. The contest remained tightly contested, and PSG advanced to the quarter-finals as a result of the aggregate result. Keylor Navas later denied Messi from the penalty spot as Barcelona pressed for a late winner.
Messi vs Mbappe in numbers
- Messi goals: 2
- Mbappe goals: 6
- Messi assists: 2
- Mbappe assists: 0
- Messi wins: 0
- Mbappe wins: 2
- Ties: 1
Analysts point to the evolving dynamic between a veteran who has defined soccer for a generation and a prodigy who has already marked multiple chapters of his story with record-breaking moments. The final in Qatar will serve as a stage where talent, leadership, and tactical nuance collide, offering a glimpse of how the next era might evolve while honoring the standards set by players who have shaped the sport for years.
The World Cup final is not just about a single game; it is a convergence of careers, legacies, and national pride. For fans in Canada and the United States, this matchup represents a rare moment to witness two players whose influence on the game extends beyond club loyalties and regional preferences. The narrative that has followed Messi and Mbappe through recent seasons culminates in this high-stakes confrontation, inviting every viewer to appreciate the blend of instinct, preparation, and mindset that defines elite soccer.
In the end, the outcome on that field will contribute to a broader conversation about who defines excellence in the sport today. Whether Mbappe asserts the next chapter of dominance or Messi adds another unforgettable chapter to his storied career, the match will be remembered for moments of brilliance, resilience, and the unifying power of international competition. The final promises drama, skill, and a sense of history unfolding before fans around the world, with Canada and the United States watching closely as two footballing icons demonstrate why this game remains the world’s favorite showcase for human achievement in sport. (Goal)