Kylian Mbappe – The Showman In FIFA World Cup 2022 Finals

 Kylian Mbappe of France won the Golden Boot trophy after scoring a hattrick against Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday. Argentina was named champions following a shootout victory over France. Mbappe held off Lionel Messi's challenge to win the World Cup by one goal.

But his treble could not prevent Messi from hoisting the trophy during a thrilling final in Qatar. Mbappe became the second man after England's Geoff Hurst in 1966 to score three goals in a World Cup final, finishing ahead of Messi, who was awarded the tournament's best player. 

Mbappe is also the second player in World Cup history to score in two consecutive finals, following Vava, who did it in Brazil's victories in 1958 and 1962. The 23-year-old has 12 World Cup goals in 14 appearances, tying him with Brazilian icon Pele for sixth all-time.

This year, the six-goal final between France and Argentina set a World Cup record of 172. The previous record of 171 goals was set in 1998 and 2014: the current 64-game, 32-team format debuted at the 1998 tournament in France.

Origin Of The Golden Boot Trophy

The Golden Boot trophy for the World Cup's top scorer was first awarded at the 1982 World Cup in Spain. It is given to the player who scores the most goals in the championship game. If two or more players score the same number of goals, the number of assists will be crucial.

FIFA Technical Study Group members judge it. If two or more players are still tied after accounting for assists, the total minutes played in the tournament will be considered, with the player who played the fewest minutes ranking first.

Kylian Mbappe's Performance In Football World Cup 2022 Finals

On the podium, as he carried the medal for the competition's top scorer, Kylian Mbappé dropped his head as he passed by the World Cup trophy, which he no longer possesses. Mbappe couldn't help but cast a sidelong glance. 

Les Bleus lost their global title to Argentina and Lionel Messi on penalties following an exciting final (3-3, 4-2 on penalties). Even though he couldn't prevent defeat, the French number 10 did everything he could to help his team win the championship.

Mbappé, crestfallen and heavy-footed, made no secret of his displeasure. The Frenchman had traveled to Qatar expecting more than just the golden boot. In an interview, he said he had come to win the Football World Cup 2022, not the Golden Boot. 

His dream was destroyed on the pitch of the Lusail stadium. Mbappé remained silent for a long period. For 70 minutes, the PSG star performed a performance reminiscent of the quarter-final and semi-final, when we were more aware of his absences in defense than his rapid moves.

 

Lionel Messi was like a conductor for Argentina, directing his team to victory. The French striker had his team back on track in just one minute. First from the penalty spot to resurrect them, then at the end of a team play began by Kingsley Coman and finished in a true Mbappé manner.

Mbappé resumed his role as the laughing rogue, which he assumed in the quarter-finals after Harry Kane missed a penalty. With 10 minutes remaining, the Argentine fans became silent after whistling wildly, understandably concerned about his ability to affect the match.

Despite Lionel Scaloni's forecast the day before, the final on Sunday became a Messi-Mbappé showdown. Argentina's skipper pushed his team back in front in extra time. His 12-year junior Parisian teammate equalized again with two minutes remaining.

That moment has turned the match into an unforgettable finale. His hat-trick is only the second in World Cup final history, following England's Geoff Hurst in 1966. With eight goals, it moved the French striker ahead of his PSG colleague as the competition's top scorer. 

PSG and Qatar have already won the World Cup 2022, with Messi and Mbappé in the final. Mbappé scored four goals in Russia during the 2018 World Cup. He increased the total four years later. 

"Mbappé, my dear friend, scoring four goals in a final. What a pleasure it was to see this show for the sake of our sport's future, "King Pelé said. "It's a World Cup of records, and I'd love it to stay that way till the end," said Didier Deschamps.

Kylian has put his imprint on this championship. But his contribution needed to be increased, which is why he, like the other players, was disappointed. " Even the earnest attempts of French President Emmanuel Macron to console him could not compensate for this incomplete win.

In a final where Antoine Griezmann never played, and the other leaders failed, Mbappé showed that his leadership of this French squad is present and future. This match was like a transition between a generation at the end of its career and a new generation led by Kylian.

Kylian showed excellent leadership in this tournament, especially in the showdown. Regarding penalties, the French number 10 took charge and was the first to go up against Emiliano Martinez for his third successful evening penalty. 

He was also the first to console Kingsley Coman after his failed attempt. Mbappé will return, whereas Messi knew this World Cup in Qatar was his last chance. Perhaps with a fresh aura, profiting from the pity shown to deserved losers. 

Because tragedy is required to provide depth to a story, Messi will have a chance to remind him of his failed World Cup final in 2014 during their reunion at PSG. Despite the defeat, the French number 10 has become a legend in the Lusail Stadium.

Final Words

Kylian Mbappé crossed the mixed zone without saying anything after the game, effectively concluding his World Cup as he had begun. In the media, he is mute, but he is incredibly expressive on the field. 

France is no longer the global champion, but it recognizes that it possesses the power to soon return to the top of the world. Though Kylian ended up with a Golden Boot this time, we wish him a great victory in the Football World Cup 2026 with multiple awards and records.