Finalissima 2022
Argentina reclaims continental supremacy with a dominant three-goal masterclass in London.
The Finalissima 2022 cements itself as a cornerstone of Argentine football history, reviving a historic concept to pit the reigning champions of Europe against the kings of South America. Officially known as the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions, this single-match showdown serves as the ultimate test of continental supremacy, bridging the gap between the Copa América and the UEFA European Championship. For Argentina, this fixture was about more than adding silverware; it was a declaration that their golden era under Lionel Scaloni had arrived. While the 2021 Copa América ended the decade-long trophy drought, this victory validated the squad's ability to dominate against top-tier European opposition outside of South America.
- Opponent
- Italy
- Result
- 3-0 Victory
- Venue
- Wembley Stadium, London
- Date
- June 1, 2022
- Tournament Status
- Revived Historical Fixture
Lore & Background
The Finalissima traces its lineage to the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the Arco de Triunfo Trophy was contested between Argentina and Italy. After a long hiatus, the concept was resurrected by CONMEBOL and UEFA in 2022 to create a marquee event for the world's best continental champions. Wembley roared with a sea of white and blue as tens of thousands of Argentine fans traveled to London to witness history. The match was defined by surgical precision from the Albiceleste. Lionel Messi, returning to the center of the spotlight after years of frustration in international finals, orchestrated the attack with sublime vision. Angel Di Maria provided the spark, scoring one goal and assisting another, while Alexis Mac Allister added a third to seal a comprehensive victory that left Italy's defense stunned.
In Their Own Story
The London rain had stopped, leaving Wembley's grass glistening under the floodlights as the Argentine anthem echoed through the stadium. The sea of white and blue in the stands was deafening, a wall of sound pressing against the silence of the Italian faithful. When Di Maria broke away on the left flank, time seemed to slow; he cut inside, the ball glued to his boot, before sliding it perfectly across the penalty area for Messi to tap home. The roar that followed wasn't just about a goal; it was the release of decades of pressure, a collective exhale from a nation that had waited too long to taste victory again.
Reader's Guide
The Finalissima 2022 represents a significant milestone in Argentina's modern resurgence, serving as the second major trophy won by Lionel Scaloni's squad. The achievement occurred on June 1, 2022, at Wembley Stadium in London, where Argentina dismantled Italy with a commanding 3-0 scoreline. This victory was pivotal for several reasons. It confirmed that the team had moved past the psychological barriers of the Copa América finals lost in 2015 and 2016, proving their resilience had evolved into consistency. Secondly, it validated Scaloni's tactical approach, proving his side could dominate against top-tier European opposition outside of South America. The match featured standout performances from every line of defense to attack, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the midfield and Angel Di Maria delivering the decisive moments.
Did You Know?
- This was only the second time the Finalissima was ever played; the first occurred in 1993 when Argentina defeated Italy.
- Angel Di Maria scored one goal and provided an assist, earning him the Man of the Match award despite not playing the full 90 minutes.
- The victory marked Argentina's second major international trophy under Lionel Scaloni, following the Copa América in July 2021.
- Lionel Messi captained the team to this title, continuing his quest to secure every possible honor with the senior national side.