AS AWARDS 2023
Argentina recognised for unforgettable World Cup final victory over France
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup a year ago in what was one of the greatest ever finals.
Exactly one year ago today, on 18 December 2022, Argentina won the 2022 World Cup. Diego Maradona was no longer there, like in 1978 and 1986, but Lionel Messi’s time had come. With the No 10 acting as the leader and inspiration, La Albiceleste managed to lift their third World Cup title.
The final - decided on penalties after a spectacular 3-3 draw after 120 minutes of play - caused delirium in a country that lives for soccer. It was a match that will go down in the annals of the sport. Against a France side with Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, three Atlético Madrid players secured the trophy they had been dreaming of all their lives. Rodrigo de Paul, Nahuel Molina and Ángel Correa became world champions before returning to Madrid to finish the season of their lives.
De Paul was a driving force and a key player in Lionel Scaloni’s midfield, as he had been at the Copa América a year earlier. He played his part in the engine room alongside Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister. De Paul started all seven of Argentina’s games in Qatar - Messi’s team-mate and another leader in the dressing room. When he collected his AS award, he said: “Right now, the country is not doing so well and it is important to give hope to our people. Today we celebrate the anniversary of a day when we were all happy again.”
Molina plays key role for Argentina
Molina played more than his part in the tournament in Qatar. His goal against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals gives him legendary status in his country. He was a starter in every game except against Mexico in the group stage. “If I had to choose a moment, I would choose the final,” said Molina. Ángel Correa had a more secondary role. The presence of Messi, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez gave him little chance in attack, and his participation was reduced to a few minutes in the semi-final against Croatia.
Correa was always ready for Scaloni, just as he is for Diego Simeone. “The coach has the support of all the Argentine people. Let’s hope he stays with us,” he said. Three world champions, three Atlético players. They represented the 26 World Cup winners at the AS Awards gala and collected the 2023 AS America Sports Award.