The FIFA World Cup final of 2022 was one of the most thrilling World Cup finals that the world had ever witnessed. Both Argentina and France played to the best of their abilities in the final. However, it was Argentina that came out as the World Champions.
The World Cup final of 2022 was not spared from the offside controversy. The third goal of the match which was scored by Lionel Messi was called for a potential offside at first glance. However, after a thorough review, the goal was given in favor of the current World Champions.
The offside rule has been one of the most controversial topics in soccer. According to reports, FIFA is set to implement a new set of offside rules. The new proposed regulations state that the player’s entire body should be ahead of the last defender of the second-last opponent, for him to be deemed offside.
🚨🚨| NEW: FIFA will test a new offside law, where the WHOLE body of the player must be in front of the defender for it to be ruled out.
The player below would NOT be offside using this rule. [DirectTVSports] pic.twitter.com/EVQTuoEnDt
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) July 1, 2023
The attacker’s entire body, with which he can play the ball should be ahead of the last defender for it to be called offside. According to several sources, FIFA has planned to implement these new rules in Netherlands, Italy, and Sweden first.
This rule, however, could have altered a few results at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, this rule could have helped Argentina to maintain its winning streak before the start of the World Cup. Lautaro Martinez’s goal against Saudi Arabia could have made a difference in their opening game.
Lionel Messi’s controversial goal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup on 4-2 penalties after the match ended in a 3-3 tie between both teams. Messi broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute of the game. Furthermore, he added another goal to his tally in the 108th minute of the game.
Kylian Mbappe, however, managed to score a brace against the current World Champions in normal time. Furthermore, the player scored another goal from the spot after Argentina‘s third goal, thus, taking the game into penalties.
Lionel #Messi (L) of Argentina celebrates with teammate #Lautaro Martinez after winning the FIFA World Cup 2022 Final against France at Lusail stadium, Lusail, Qatar, 18 December 2022.
📸 EPA /Friedemann Vogel#epaimages #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/Yj1OhBNkfa— EPA Images (@EPA_Images) December 18, 2022
Lionel Messi’s third goal against the French side was deemed a controversial goal in the match. Enzo Fernandez was seen playing the ball through to Lautaro Martinez, whose attempt to goal was denied by Hugo Lloris. Lionel Messi was quick on his feet to convert the goal.
The goal initially felt like a potential offside goal, however, after a quick check by VAR it was confirmed that the player was played onside by Varane. Martinez was in line with the last defender and the player’s fingers could be seen in the offside position.
The game went to the penalties. Furthermore, Emiliano Martinez emerged as the unsung hero and thus helped Argentina win their third World Cup title.
