Finally, here we are. After nearly a month of thrills, joy and tears, the 2022 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax on Sunday night with Lionel Messi's Argentina taking on defending champions France. Will the 35-year-old Messi cement his place in the pantheon of football gods with the most prestigious and the only major trophy that has eluded him in his fifth and final attempt? Or will the young Kylian Mbappe further extend his status as the next big superstar in the sport by claiming his second World Cup trophy at just 23? Here are some memorable moments from the just-concluded semifinal stage.
Argentina players pose for a photograph as they celebrate their win after the World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and Croatia at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar on December 13, 2022. Photo: AFP
Lionel Messi (No.10) and Julian Alvarez (No.9) of Argentina celebrate a goal before their supporters during the World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and Croatia on December 13, 2022. Photo: VCG
Argentina fans with replica heads of Lionel Messi and Angel di Maria react before the World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and Croatia on December 13, 2022. Photo: VCG
Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat (left) and France forward Kylian Mbappe fight for the ball during the World Cup semifinal match between France and Morocco on December 14, 2022. Photo: AFP
Kylian Mbappe (No.10) of France consoles Morocco's Achraf Hakimi, his teammate at Paris Saint-Germain, after the World Cup semifinal match between France and Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar on December 14, 2022. Photo: IC
France supporters pose for a picture ahead of the World Cup semifinal match between France and Morocco on December 14, 2022. Photo: AFP
