Messi and Di Maria's 'Last Dance'... Argentina 2-0 at Halftime

Messi Achieves 20 Most Attacking Playoffs in 56 Years

Argentina's Lionel Messi (right) and Angel Di Maria celebrate together after Messi's opening goal during the 2022 Qatar World Cup final against France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, on the 19th (Korean time). Photo by EPA, Yonhap News [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Messi and Di Mar?a's 'last dance' dominated the stadium.

Argentina overwhelmed France throughout the first half of the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup final, rekindling hopes for their first championship in 36 years.

On the 19th (Korean time), Argentina ended the first half 2-0 against France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, thanks to goals from Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain) and ?ngel Di Mar?a (Juventus).

In this match, Argentina fielded Messi, Juli?n ?lvarez, Di Mar?a, and others as starters, showing their determination to reclaim the title for the first time since the 1986 Mexico World Cup.

Messi played his 26th World Cup match in this final, setting a new record for the most appearances in World Cup history. The previous record was 25 matches held by Germany's Lothar Matth?us.

The defending champion France, aiming for back-to-back titles, started key players such as Kylian Mbapp? (Paris Saint-Germain), Antoine Griezmann (Atl?tico Madrid), and Olivier Giroud (AC Milan).

Argentina maintained an aggressive style throughout the first half, focusing attacks on the left flank with Di Mar?a. Increasing ball possession, Argentina took the lead in the 23rd minute of the first half.

Di Mar?a was fouled by France's Ousmane Demb?l?, earning a penalty kick, which Messi calmly converted to shake the French net.

With this goal, Messi became the first player in World Cup history to score in the group stage, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final. Additionally, he scored his sixth goal of the tournament, surpassing Mbapp? (5 goals) to reclaim sole possession of the top scorer position.

Facing a crisis, France made a counterattack by substituting Olivier Giroud (AC Milan) and Ousmane Demb?l? (Barcelona), who had scored four goals in the tournament, with Randal Kolo Muani (Nantes) and Marcus Thuram (M?nchengladbach) in the 41st minute of the first half, but ended the half without scoring a goal.

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