'The perfect finish': Reliving 2022 World Cup Final One Year Ahead Of 2026 Final

"This was the Hollywood ending, it was the perfect finish, it was the beautiful dream coming true. These scenes will live forever, as Lionel Messi and Argentina have won the World Cup."

Will the 2026 World Cup final live up to what we saw in 2022?  One year from Saturday, we will witness the grand finale of the world's biggest sports event. Ahead of June 19, 2026, we relive that epic clash in Qatar through the words of FOX Sports’ John Strong and Stu Holden.

"How many billions of eyeballs are watching these two men 12 yards apart? Messi scores! … The focus, the concentration, the pressure. How about that?!"

When Angel Di Maria was pulled by Ousmane Dembele, there was no question who'd be taking the penalty. Lionel Messi coolly took the shot as he ran up to the spot, stutter-stepped for a split second to look at keeper Hugo Lloris, and then drove into the top corner. An early lead for Argentina.

"Julian Alvarez on the run … Di Maria's on the far side … Here it comes! Di Mariaaaaaa! … Argentina master class and they are rolling!"

Ángel Di María could barely believe it himself when he gave Argentina a two-goal lead in the 2022 World Cup. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

A beautiful buildup orchestrated by Lionel Messi and Argentina was in full control He found Alexis Mac Allister who then squared it to Angel Di Maria. With Hugo Lloris crashing down on him, Di Maria slotted it into the corner for a two-goal lead. A stunning scoreline and a dream start.

"First penalty attempt of the tournament for France, this is their chance … And Mbappé scores! Martinez got a hand on it! Game on in Lusail!"

Kylian Mbappé had France beiliving again after getting one back vs. Argentina. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via