#MbappeHatTrick
Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup Final—the first since Geoff Hurst in 1966—but still lost to Argentina on penalties.
The Performance
In the December 18, 2022 final, Mbappé single-handedly kept France alive:
- 80th minute: Penalty to make it 2-1 (after France trailed 2-0)
- 81st minute: Volley to equalize 2-2
- 118th minute (extra time): Second penalty to make it 3-3
His hat-trick was a masterclass—composure, speed, finishing. At 23, he became the youngest player to score 4+ goals in World Cup finals (2018 final: 1 goal; 2022 final: 3 goals).
France still lost 4-2 on penalties. Mbappé converted his penalty; teammates Coman and Tchouaméni missed.
Golden Boot
Despite losing, Mbappé won the Golden Boot with 8 goals—the most in a single World Cup since Ronaldo’s 8 in 2002.
His tournament stats: 8 goals, 2 assists in 7 matches. He carried France’s attack, especially after Karim Benzema’s pre-tournament injury withdrawal.
Cultural Impact
Mbappé’s final performance cemented his status as the world’s best active player (alongside Haaland). He outshone Messi in the final—yet Messi’s team won, and Messi got the narrative.
The juxtaposition became iconic: Messi (35) winning his first World Cup in his last chance; Mbappé (23) losing despite heroics but with many tournaments ahead.
Mbappé’s dejected expression—sitting alone after the loss—became one of 2022’s most poignant sports images.
Rivalry with Messi
Despite the final, Mbappé and Messi remained PSG teammates (until Messi left in 2023). Their relationship was professional but tense—club vs. country, old vs. young, passing the torch vs. defending the crown.
By 2024, Mbappé had joined Real Madrid. His rivalry with Haaland (Man City) became football’s defining matchup.
Legacy
Mbappé’s hat-trick proved he belongs among football’s elite. Losing the final hurt, but his performance was legendary.
He’ll likely have 3-4 more World Cups to win. The 2022 final was his coronation as Messi’s successor—even in defeat.