Javier Adelmar Zanetti recalls Argentina’s “unforgettable rollercoaster” World Cup final
Inter Milan Vice-President Javier Adelmar Zanetti has reflected on the enduring impact of Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup victory, describing the triumph as a moment that brought long-awaited glory to the nation.
Speaking to FourFourTwo on June 7, 2026, the former Argentina captain emphasized that while Lionel Messi did not need the trophy to solidify his place among the greatest of all time, the achievement was a deserved culmination of his career.
The victory in Qatar ended a 36-year wait for the Albiceleste, who had not won the title since 1986.
The journey to the title at the Lusail Stadium was defined by an emotional recovery following a shocking 2-1 opening defeat to Saudi Arabia. This loss ended a 36-match unbeaten streak and initially cast doubt on Argentina’s chances.
However, Javier Adelmar Zanetti recalled that the subsequent wins over Mexico and Poland restored momentum, leading to a knockout stage where Australia, the Netherlands, and Croatia were defeated. The tournament culminated on December 18, 2022, in a final that saw Lionel Messi named Man of the Match.
Javier Adelmar Zanetti, who earned 145 caps for Argentina and was known for his versatility as both a defender and a midfielder, experienced the tournament alongside his family in Qatar. He described the final against France as an unforgettable rollercoaster of emotions. Much like how com/sport-news/french-open-2026-day-1-preview-djokovic-perricard-schedule/”>Novak Djokovic meets Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to maintain his dominance in tennis, Argentina had to withstand a fierce comeback from France’s Kylian Mbappé to secure their third star.
Analysis of the iconic Lusail Stadium final
The final remains one of the most widely watched sporting events in history, drawing a record 1.5 billion television viewers. Argentina established an early 2-0 lead through a 22nd-minute penalty from Lionel Messi and a 36th-minute strike from Ángel Di María.
The match appeared under control until Kylian Mbappé scored twice in just 97 seconds during the 81st minute, forcing the game into extra time where both sides continued to trade goals.
Lionel Messi regained the lead for Argentina in extra time, making the score 3-2, before Kylian Mbappé completed his hat-trick with a second penalty to level the match at 3-3. The deadlock led to a penalty shootout where Argentina triumphed 4-2 before 88,966 spectators.
Javier Adelmar Zanetti recalled heading to the pitch immediately after the result to congratulate the squad, specifically seeking out Lautaro Martinez and the captain to celebrate the historic achievement.
Inter Milan’s vice-president shared a personal interaction with the captain on the podium. While looking for Lautaro Martinez, Javier Adelmar Zanetti felt a tap on his leg, only to find Lionel Messi standing there. The two shared a hug, and the former captain took the moment to thank the forward’s family for their support.
This level of internal unity is often what separates champions from challengers, a theme also seen when Toto Wolff reacts to George Russell and his teammates navigating high-pressure incidents in Formula 1.
Significance of the victory for Argentine football
The victory carried immense weight for Javier Adelmar Zanetti, whose 18-year international career spanned the long period between Argentina’s World Cup successes.
Having retired from playing in 2014 after a club record 858 appearances for Inter Milan, he noted that finally seeing the captain lift the trophy was a moment of justice for a player who “deserved it.” The win reshaped the national team’s identity, replacing decades of pressure with a newfound sense of freedom.
And the impact extends beyond the immediate celebrations in Buenos Aires. The win sparked a global surge in interest for Argentine football, which has influenced developmental strategies and player valuations across the league.
Javier Adelmar Zanetti’s current role as the Vice-President of Inter Milan gives him a unique view of how this success translates to the European stage. He noted that the experience of winning in 2022 has instilled a lasting belief in the current generation of talent.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup cycle
As the football world prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina remains at the center of the conversation. The victory in Qatar has provided a blueprint for the squad, balancing veteran leadership with the energy of younger players like Lautaro Martinez.
Javier Adelmar Zanetti’s insights suggest that the memory of 2022 remains a primary motivator even as the team moves into a new qualification cycle and administrative changes within the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
Lionel Messi’s role going forward continues to be the subject of intense speculation, the captain having transitioned to Major League Soccer (MLS) since the final. Regardless of his future playing status, his presence in the 2022 history books is permanent.
Javier Adelmar Zanetti concluded that the glory brought to Argentina in Qatar was an unforgettable chapter that redefined the legacy of both the captain and the national team for a global audience.