Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAs 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 tournaments history, a pulsating 3-3 draw which was settled when Argentina won on penalties.While Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappes 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 restedPlay our FREE match predictor below and win �1kJavier Zanetti on the key moment in the 2022 World Cup finalArgentina 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 Messis extra-time goal. You may like Our performance until that stage had clearly made Kylian Mbappe angry, and suddenly you saw this explosion Frank Leboeuf on Frances epic World Cup 2022 final defeat Lionel Messi didnt need the World Cup to be among the greatest of all time, but he deserved it. He brought glory to Argentina Javier Zanetti on how Messi created history in 2022 Javier Zanetti clarifies intent behind Argentina's bus window celebrations at France 98 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.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.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.Its a moment well 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 Ive seen and experienced, it was undoubtedly the best.TOPICSArgentinaWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromDani Gil
