Italy vs Argentina

Lautaro Martínez, Ángel Di María and Paulo Dybala struck as South American champions Argentina proved to be an irresistible force in the inaugural ...

We knew it was going to be a nice game and a nice setting in which to be champions. The truth is that it's beautiful to feel the affection since we started this process. Their combative spine – Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi – all excelled, while the front three clicked from the off, Messi and Di María dovetailing to devastating and beautiful effect behind Lautaro, who ended with a goal and an assist. It's the end of an era; time to tear up the plans and start again, and Mancini has already proved once that he can do that. Italy came from behind to win UEFA EURO 2020 at this venue, but there was little suggestion that a comeback was possible this time as chances kept piling up at the other end. Ángel Di María tried to lob Gianluigi Donnarumma from halfway inside two minutes as the South American champions tugged the beard of their European counterparts, but it was discipline and superlative passing that left Argentina 2-0 up at the break.

Argentina beat Italy to win the 2022 Finalissima and extended their impressive unbeaten run in the process.

The first international side to make it to 35 games unbeaten, Brazil in the 1990s were a force. Coming in the early 90s, the run followed a controversial 1990 World Cup final defeat against West Germany. Gabriel Batistuta starred as they won back-to-back Copa America titles. One of international football’s most successful sides, Italy won back-to-back World Cups in 1934 and 1938 after declining to participate in the inaugural tournament. Following 1978 World Cup disappointment, assistant Jupp Derwall took charge of West Germany and led them to an immediate upturn in fortunes. With that in mind, we at GIVEMESPORT have pulled together a list of the longest international unbeaten runs currently standing, to see where Argentina’s ranks as of now. Since then, Scaloni has worked wonders to turn La Albiceleste into a consistently threatening outfit, refreshing the squad and getting more out of their immense blend of talent.

Argentina forward Lionel Messi has been named Player of the Match following his side's 3-0 win against Italy in the 2022 Finalissima in London.

Thrown into the air by his jubilant team-mates after the final whistle, Messi said: “Today was a nice test because Italy are a great team. We are excited but must keep our feet on the ground,” Di Maria said. He showed great skill to lay on the assist for Lautaro Martínez, provided key passes for his team-mates and was unlucky not to score himself. “They were better than us. We knew it was going to be a nice game and a nice setting in which to be champions. Messi stole the show as Copa America holders Argentina powered to a 3-0 win against European champions Italy in the Finalissima at Wembley on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi was the star of the show as Argentina thrashed Italy 3-0 at Wembley in the Finalissima 2022 to win the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions.

The veteran winger La Albiceleste’s lead on the cusp of half-time with a dinked finish and came close to scoring twice in the second half, only for Donnarumma to deny him. Between those two moments, he came close to scoring and created several other chances in a top-class display. The Azzurri could not cope with Messi’s brilliance on the night as he ran rings around them, time and again. A bright display from the Tottenham midfielder, who could be closing in on a permanent transfer to Villarreal. Lo Celso was one of Argentina’s main creative outlets, and some of his link-up play with Messi was eye-catching. He might not have been a standout performer, but the Atletico Madrid star played his part in ensuring Argentina stayed on top of Italy for much of the game. The veteran defender was booked early on in the game but held his discipline to see out the contest without any more errors. But after that, he hardly got a look-in at the Argentine goal and was well-marshalled by the opposition defence before being taken off. There was not much to write home about Jorginho’s performance on the night either, as he was robbed of possession multiple times by Messi, forcing the Italian to commit fouls. He was turned inside out by Messi in the buildup to the first goal. It was a statement performance from Argentina, who have now won two international trophies in the space of 11 months, having lifted the Copa America 2021 last summer. Argentina were in control throughout the second half as well and managed to add a third goal deep into stoppage time when Paulo Dybala found the back of the net via the post, with Messi involved again. Argentina doubled their advantage on the cusp of half-time as Angel Di Maria produced a delectable chip over PSG teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma to pretty much put the game to bed.