December 18, 2022. If you watched it, you'll never forget it. Argentina vs. France in the World Cup final delivered what many are calling the greatest match in football history.
France came back from 2-0 down to tie at 2-2. Then 3-3 after extra time. The match went to penalties, and Argentina held. Messi — arguably the greatest player to ever play the game — finally had his World Cup.
Messi's Legacy
The debate about Messi vs. Ronaldo has dominated football conversations for 15 years. For many, the World Cup was the missing piece of Messi's case. Winning it, in the fashion he did, in what may be his final World Cup, felt like something out of a movie script.
Tampa's Soccer Scene
Tampa has a thriving soccer community, and the World Cup brought people together across cultures and backgrounds. The sport continues to grow in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup — which will include games in Miami, just down the road.
Some sporting moments transcend sport. This was one of them.