As Argentina get set for their third World Cup final out of the past four tournaments, Lionel Scaloni only has to look back to the 2022 final for inspiration.
That clash between La Albiceleste and France was perhaps the best final in the tournament’s history, a pulsating 3-3 draw which was settled when Argentina won on penalties.
While Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe’s personal duel took the headlines, there was one key moment in which neither of the modern-day icons were involved on which the entire match rested
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Javier Zanetti on the key moment in the 2022 World Cup final
Argentina looked to be closing in on their second ever World Cup title after goals from Messi and Angel Di Maria had put them in a commanding position, deep into the second half.
But with just ten minutes of normal time remaining, Mbappe would net twice in two minutes to force the extra period, where the French striker would complete his hat-trick in the 118th minute to cancel out Messi’s extra-time goal.
Yet there was still time for more drama, including a chance that Argentina legend Javier Zanetti, who was watching inside the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, will never forget.
“Life stopped in that moment,” the 145-time Argentina international tells FourFourTwo.
The incident Zanetti refers to came deep in stoppage time of the second period of extra time, when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a stunning save from Randal Kolo Muani, stretching out his leg to prevent what looked to be a last-gasp late winner.
“It’s a moment we’ll remember for the rest of our lives,” former Inter Milan stalwart Zanetti continues.
“In a second, everything could have changed. France were inches from the World Cup.”
The save was a classic example of the final margains on which tournaments can be settled at this level and a reminder of how careers and even lives can be shaped in the blink of an eye.
While Zanetti will no doubt be watching on Sunday evening when Argentina look to become the third side to win back-to-back World Cup titles, the clash against Spain will do well to compete with the 2022 classic.
“It was a wonderful final – a rollercoaster of emotions,” he continues. “Of all the finals I’ve seen and experienced, it was undoubtedly the best.”