{"id":27489,"date":"2026-06-07T18:15:30","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T18:15:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nosmokesport.com\/chua-phan-loai\/lionel-messi-2022-world-cup-glory-javier-adelmar-zanetti-recalls-argen\/"},"modified":"2026-06-07T18:15:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T18:15:31","slug":"lionel-messi-2022-world-cup-glory-javier-adelmar-zanetti-recalls-argen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nosmokesport.com\/vi\/sport-news\/lionel-messi-2022-world-cup-glory-javier-adelmar-zanetti-recalls-argen\/","title":{"rendered":"Javier Adelmar Zanetti recalls Argentina’s “unforgettable rollercoaster” World Cup final"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Jerry Hugh<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inter Milan Vice-President Javier Adelmar Zanetti has reflected on the enduring impact of Argentina\u2019s 2022 FIFA World Cup victory, describing the triumph as a moment that brought long-awaited glory to the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The victory in Qatar ended a 36-year wait for the Albiceleste, who had not won the title since 1986.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \n\n\n\n

com\/sport-news\/french-open-2026-day-1-preview-djokovic-perricard-schedule\/”>Novak Djokovic meets Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard<\/a> to maintain his dominance in tennis, Argentina had to withstand a fierce comeback from France\u2019s Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 to secure their third star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Analysis of the iconic Lusail Stadium final<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u00c1ngel Di Mar\u00eda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The match appeared under control until Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 scored twice in just 97 seconds during the 81st minute, forcing the game into extra time where both sides continued to trade goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lionel Messi regained the lead for Argentina in extra time, making the score 3-2, before Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inter Milan\u2019s 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\u2019s family for their support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This level of internal unity is often what separates champions from challengers, a theme also seen when Toto Wolff reacts to George Russell<\/a> and his teammates navigating high-pressure incidents in Formula 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Significance of the victory for Argentine football<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The victory carried immense weight for Javier Adelmar Zanetti, whose 18-year international career spanned the long period between Argentina\u2019s World Cup successes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s identity, replacing decades of pressure with a newfound sense of freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Javier Adelmar Zanetti\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup cycle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lionel Messi\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n