Qatar 2022: When Unsung Heroes Created Messi's Legend on the Eternal Lusail Night
December 19, 2025509 ViewsRead Time: 3 minutes
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The third anniversary of the Lusail Stadium epic arrives, that exceptional Qatari night on December 18, 2022, when the world held its breath for a final considered one of the greatest in football history.
And although the immortal image was of Lionel Messi lifting the golden trophy while wearing the Arab “bisht,” behind this legendary scene stood a group of players who paved the way to immortality, without noise or seeking the spotlight.
Emiliano Martinez: The Title Keeper and Safety Valve
It is impossible to recall Argentina's triumph without pausing for a long time at Emiliano Martinez. “Dibu” was not just a goalkeeper; he was the psychological shield that protected the team in the toughest moments.
His historic save against Kolo Muani in the 123rd minute saved the dream from collapse, while in the penalty shootouts against the Netherlands and France, he transformed into a unique mental player, breaking the opponents' confidence and giving his teammates a crucial psychological edge.
Julián Álvarez: The Offensive Lung That Relieved Messi
In a tournament where Messi needed to manage his effort carefully, Julián Álvarez emerged as one of Argentina's biggest gains. The young “Spider” took on the tasks of high pressing and continuous running, providing the captain with space and calm.
His contributions were not limited to crucial goals, especially his brace against Croatia in the semifinals, but he was a constant nuisance to opponents' defenses, playing a defensive role that allowed Messi to focus solely on creativity.
Alexis Mac Allister: The Brain and Pulse of the Midfield
He entered the tournament without the title of star player and emerged as one of the best midfielders in the world. Mac Allister was the lung through which Argentina breathed, thanks to his high ability to regain the ball and transition smoothly from defense to attack.
In the final, he delivered a complete performance, capped off with an assist for Di Maria's goal, confirming that he was the player who maintained the balance of the “Tango” in the toughest moments of pressure.
Rodrigo De Paul: The Personal Guard of the Captain
If Messi is the king, then Rodrigo De Paul was his loyal guard. His role transcended technical performance to include a combative and emotional dimension.
He was present in every midfield clash, protecting Messi from interventions, and quickly regaining the ball to place it under the captain's foot. De Paul represented a physical and psychological safety net, ready to expend all his energy for Messi's comfort.
Ángel Di María: The Man of Finals Who Never Fails
On the decisive night, Lionel Scaloni bet on Di María on the left flank, and the bet paid off as usual in big matches. He caused a penalty and scored a wonderful goal, delivering one of his best performances in the national team jersey.
Di María was the final touch that completed the championship painting, confirming his status as Messi's historical partner in the most important moments of joy.
A Collective Legend Not Reduced to an Image
Three years later, Messi's image remains the most circulated, but football memory will not forget those players who laid the true foundation for the achievement.
In Qatar, the championship was not the story of a single star, but a collective epic written by men who realized that immortality is sometimes made from behind the cameras.
Emiliano Martinez: The Title Keeper and Safety Valve
It is impossible to recall Argentina's triumph without pausing for a long time at Emiliano Martinez. “Dibu” was not just a goalkeeper; he was the psychological shield that protected the team in the toughest moments.
His historic save against Kolo Muani in the 123rd minute saved the dream from collapse, while in the penalty shootouts against the Netherlands and France, he transformed into a unique mental player, breaking the opponents' confidence and giving his teammates a crucial psychological edge.
Julián Álvarez: The Offensive Lung That Relieved Messi
In a tournament where Messi needed to manage his effort carefully, Julián Álvarez emerged as one of Argentina's biggest gains. The young “Spider” took on the tasks of high pressing and continuous running, providing the captain with space and calm.
His contributions were not limited to crucial goals, especially his brace against Croatia in the semifinals, but he was a constant nuisance to opponents' defenses, playing a defensive role that allowed Messi to focus solely on creativity.
Alexis Mac Allister: The Brain and Pulse of the Midfield
He entered the tournament without the title of star player and emerged as one of the best midfielders in the world. Mac Allister was the lung through which Argentina breathed, thanks to his high ability to regain the ball and transition smoothly from defense to attack.
In the final, he delivered a complete performance, capped off with an assist for Di Maria's goal, confirming that he was the player who maintained the balance of the “Tango” in the toughest moments of pressure.
Rodrigo De Paul: The Personal Guard of the Captain
If Messi is the king, then Rodrigo De Paul was his loyal guard. His role transcended technical performance to include a combative and emotional dimension.
He was present in every midfield clash, protecting Messi from interventions, and quickly regaining the ball to place it under the captain's foot. De Paul represented a physical and psychological safety net, ready to expend all his energy for Messi's comfort.
Ángel Di María: The Man of Finals Who Never Fails
On the decisive night, Lionel Scaloni bet on Di María on the left flank, and the bet paid off as usual in big matches. He caused a penalty and scored a wonderful goal, delivering one of his best performances in the national team jersey.
Di María was the final touch that completed the championship painting, confirming his status as Messi's historical partner in the most important moments of joy.
A Collective Legend Not Reduced to an Image
Three years later, Messi's image remains the most circulated, but football memory will not forget those players who laid the true foundation for the achievement.
In Qatar, the championship was not the story of a single star, but a collective epic written by men who realized that immortality is sometimes made from behind the cameras.
