What If Kolo Muani Scored That World Cup Goal? A Football ‘What-If’ for the Ages
Football is a game of fine margins. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, one of those margins was just a few centimeters between France’s Randal Kolo Muani and football immortality. Deep into extra time, with the score locked at 3-3, Kolo Muani found himself one-on-one with Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez. A clear chance to win the World Cup for France. He struck the ball, but Martínez pulled off one of the greatest saves in World Cup history.
But what if Martínez hadn’t made that save? What if Kolo Muani had scored, winning the World Cup for France in the 123rd minute? How would this single moment have changed the course of football history? In this thought experiment, we dive deep into the “what-if” of that moment, exploring how it would have impacted the careers of key players, the legacy of both France and Argentina, and the narrative of that unforgettable World Cup final.
Setting the Stage: The Final Moments of the 2022 World Cup
Before we jump into the ripple effects of Kolo Muani’s hypothetical goal, let’s rewind to the exact moment. It’s the 123rd minute of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. Argentina and France, two footballing giants, are tied at 3-3 after a match filled with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi in what many believed would be his final World Cup, had taken a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Messi and Ángel Di María. But in a stunning comeback, Kylian Mbappé, already a World Cup hero from 2018, dragged France back into the match with two goals in quick succession to make it 2-2.
The game went into extra time, where Messi scored again to give Argentina a 3-2 lead, only for Mbappé to complete his hat trick with a penalty, leveling the score at 3-3.
And then, in the dying seconds of extra time, Kolo Muani had his moment. It was a golden opportunity, but Martínez’s outstretched leg denied him. The game went to penalties, where Argentina triumphed, securing Messi’s long-awaited World Cup title.
But what if Martínez’s leg hadn’t been there?
Part 1: The Immediate Impact – France Wins the World Cup
Had Kolo Muani scored in the 123rd minute, the 2022 World Cup final would have ended 4-3 in favor of France. There would have been no penalties, no emotional celebrations from Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates. Instead, France would have retained their title, becoming only the third team in history to win back-to-back World Cups after Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962).
1.1 France’s Dominance and Kylian Mbappé’s Legacy
With Kolo Muani’s goal, France’s already bright football legacy would have been catapulted into an elite category. Winning two consecutive World Cups in the modern era would have cemented France as the dominant footballing force of the 21st century.
Kylian Mbappé, already a global superstar, would have been hailed as one of the greatest players in history at just 24 years old. A World Cup win in 2018, followed by a hat trick in the 2022 final, would have placed him on a trajectory to challenge not just Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but even legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona for the title of the greatest footballer of all time.
Mbappé’s influence on the game would have grown even further. His profile as the face of world football would have been solidified, with brands clamoring to associate themselves with the young Frenchman. It’s easy to imagine him taking over the commercial landscape from Messi and Ronaldo, just as they had done a decade earlier.
1.2 Kolo Muani Becomes a National Hero
The name Randal Kolo Muani would have been etched into French folklore. Every child growing up in France would have known his name, and his goal would have been replayed endlessly on television, becoming an iconic moment in the nation’s sporting history.
Kolo Muani, who was only beginning to establish himself at the time, would have seen his career trajectory change overnight. Top clubs across Europe would have scrambled to sign him, and he would have instantly become one of the most sought-after talents in world football. A World Cup-winning goal is the ultimate resume-booster, and Kolo Muani’s place in the pantheon of French football would have been secured.
1.3 Deschamps’ Triumph and French Football’s Evolution
French manager Didier Deschamps would have added a third World Cup title to his name, having won as a player in 1998 and as a coach in 2018. Deschamps’ status as one of the greatest football minds of all time would have been unquestionable. Few managers have ever tasted such success on the world stage, and Deschamps’ reputation as a tactical genius would have been cemented.
Moreover, this victory would have accelerated the evolution of French football, particularly in terms of talent development. France has already produced an incredible generation of players, but winning the 2022 World Cup would have underscored the country’s dominance in player development. French football academies would have gained even more credibility, attracting top talents from across the globe.
Part 2: Argentina’s Missed Opportunity and Messi’s Heartbreak
As one team’s fortunes rise, another’s inevitably falls. For Argentina, the result would have been devastating. The 2022 World Cup was seen as Lionel Messi’s last chance to win football’s ultimate prize, and the entire country had rallied behind their talisman in pursuit of the trophy.
2.1 Messi’s Legacy Takes a Hit
Perhaps the most significant impact of Kolo Muani’s goal would have been on Lionel Messi’s legacy. As one of the greatest players in history, Messi’s career has often been compared to that of Diego Maradona. While Messi has won countless club trophies, Maradona’s iconic status in Argentina is largely tied to his performance in the 1986 World Cup, where he single-handedly led Argentina to victory.
A loss in the 2022 final, after coming so close, would have left a gaping hole in Messi’s resume. While few would doubt his individual greatness, the absence of a World Cup would have continued to fuel the debate over whether he truly surpassed Maradona. His tears in defeat would have become an enduring image of heartbreak, rather than the jubilation that followed his penalty shootout victory.
2.2 Scaloni and Argentina Left to Regret Missed Opportunities
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, who masterminded the team’s journey to the final, would have faced heavy criticism for coming up short. While guiding Argentina to a World Cup final is no small feat, the pain of losing twice in extra time would have overshadowed Scaloni’s accomplishments.
The Argentine football federation would have faced questions about the team’s ability to perform on the biggest stage, and the nation’s fanbase, already known for their passion, would have been left heartbroken by another near-miss.
2.3 The Emotional Fallout for Argentina
The 2022 World Cup final was more than just a football match for Argentina; it was a symbolic journey, one tied to Messi’s quest for glory. Kolo Muani’s goal would have been an emotional dagger through the heart of a nation that has worshipped football for generations.
In Buenos Aires, the scenes of joyous celebration that followed Messi’s victory would have been replaced by solemn commiseration. Instead of the streets being flooded with fans waving blue and white flags, there would have been mourning for the missed opportunity to crown Messi as the ultimate Argentine football legend.
Part 3: The Broader Footballing World and Legacy of the 2022 World Cup
Football, as the world’s most popular sport, extends far beyond the borders of the nations that play in a World Cup final. The reverberations of Kolo Muani’s goal would have been felt around the globe, changing not just the legacies of individual players and teams, but the entire narrative of the sport’s history.
3.1 A Shift in the GOAT Debate: Messi vs. Ronaldo vs. Mbappé
The debate over who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in football has largely centered around Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the better part of two decades. However, if Kolo Muani had scored, the conversation would have shifted dramatically.
Without a World Cup title to his name, Messi’s claim to being the GOAT would have taken a significant hit. Ronaldo, who has never won a World Cup either, would still have an argument based on his club accomplishments, but Messi’s lack of international success would have been a blemish that his fans could no longer ignore.
In contrast, Kylian Mbappé, at just 24, would have been in a position to challenge both Messi and Ronaldo for GOAT status. Two World Cups before the age of 25, combined with his incredible individual performances, would have vaulted him into the conversation earlier than expected. Mbappé’s future trajectory could have been even more legendary than anticipated, with many predicting he would eventually surpass both Messi and Ronaldo.
3.2 The 2022 World Cup’s Place in History
Without Lionel Messi’s crowning moment, the legacy of the 2022 World Cup would have taken on a vastly different shape. The tournament, which was already brimming with controversy due to its location in Qatar, was ultimately remembered for the extraordinary final that pitted Argentina against France. But if Kolo Muani had scored that goal in the dying moments, the historical narrative surrounding the competition would have shifted dramatically.
A New World Cup Narrative: Mbappé’s Ascension
The story of the 2022 World Cup would no longer have been Messi’s long-awaited coronation. Instead, it would have been the continuation of France’s dominance and, more crucially, the story of Kylian Mbappé’s rise to global superstardom. While Mbappé’s stunning hat trick in the final ensured his place in football folklore, scoring that fourth, match-winning goal would have elevated him to unprecedented levels of acclaim.
France’s second consecutive World Cup victory, particularly in the manner in which they battled back from a 2-0 deficit to win the game in extra time, would have been considered one of the greatest comeback stories in football history. The 2022 World Cup would have been remembered as “Mbappé’s World Cup,” with the young forward staking his claim as the future of football and, potentially, the greatest player of the 21st century.
France’s Place in Football History
Winning the 2022 World Cup would have placed France in a rare category of teams that have successfully defended their title. Only Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962) had managed to win consecutive World Cups before France’s run. The French national team would have cemented itself as a global powerhouse, leading to discussions about whether this era of French football might go down as one of the best ever.
In this scenario, Didier Deschamps, already a World Cup-winning manager from 2018, would have solidified his status as one of the most successful managers in the history of the sport. With two World Cup victories under his belt, Deschamps would have been ranked alongside coaching greats like Vittorio Pozzo (Italy) and Mario Zagallo (Brazil) for winning multiple World Cups.
The Tournament of Underdogs
Despite France’s dominance, the 2022 World Cup was, in many ways, a tournament of surprises and upsets. Teams like Morocco and Croatia had extraordinary runs, defying expectations and making it deep into the tournament. Morocco, in particular, captured the imagination of the world by becoming the first African team to reach the semifinals, defeating European powerhouses like Spain and Portugal along the way.
Had Kolo Muani scored, the tournament’s legacy as a World Cup of underdogs would have been somewhat overshadowed by the triumph of an already-established superpower. France’s victory, while remarkable, would have reaffirmed the strength of traditional footballing nations, slightly diminishing the impact of the underdog narrative that captured so much attention.
The End of Messi’s International Career
Perhaps the most dramatic consequence of Kolo Muani’s hypothetical goal would have been its impact on Lionel Messi’s career. For Messi, the 2022 World Cup was seen as the ultimate test of his greatness. Despite winning countless individual and team accolades with FC Barcelona, Messi’s failure to win a World Cup was the one blemish on an otherwise spotless resume.
If Kolo Muani had scored, Messi’s international career would have ended in disappointment. This loss would have been an emotional and crushing end to his World Cup journey, mirroring the heartbreak of the 2014 World Cup final, where Argentina lost to Germany. Without that elusive World Cup title, the debate surrounding Messi’s place in football history—particularly in comparison to Diego Maradona—would have raged on.
Messi’s tears in defeat would have been one of the enduring images of the tournament, and the 2022 World Cup would have been remembered as the moment when Messi came agonizingly close to achieving football immortality, only to fall short.
The Shift in Football’s Global Focus
If Kolo Muani had scored, the balance of global football might have shifted even more towards Europe, with France asserting itself as the dominant force in world football. South America, despite its rich footballing tradition, would have continued its World Cup drought, with its last victory coming in 2002 with Brazil. This would have further highlighted the disparity between European and South American football in the modern era, reinforcing the narrative that Europe had become the epicenter of global football.
This scenario might have had ripple effects across the footballing world. South American nations like Argentina and Brazil, with passionate football cultures and a long history of success, could have faced even greater pressure to overhaul their systems to compete with Europe’s dominance. The missed opportunity for Messi to bring a World Cup back to Argentina would have weighed heavily on the nation’s footballing psyche.
A Lost “Greatest Final of All Time”?
One of the most fascinating aspects of this hypothetical is how it would have affected the broader perception of the 2022 World Cup final. In reality, the match is widely regarded as one of the greatest finals in the history of the sport. The back-and-forth drama, with France coming from behind twice, Mbappé scoring a hat trick, Messi netting twice, and Argentina winning on penalties, created a near-perfect narrative arc.
If Kolo Muani had scored, the match would still have been an all-time classic, but it might not have been hailed with the same reverence. The penalty shootout, often seen as the ultimate test of nerves, added a layer of drama that cemented the 2022 final as a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. A last-minute winner from Kolo Muani, while thrilling, might have deprived fans of the emotional rollercoaster that the penalties provided.
In this alternate history, the 2022 final would be remembered as a dramatic, last-gasp victory for France, but perhaps not as the “greatest final of all time.” Instead, it would be remembered as a heroic moment for France and a devastating heartbreak for Argentina and Messi.
Part 4: The What-Ifs of Football: A Never-Ending Debate
Football fans love a good “what-if” scenario, and Kolo Muani’s missed chance in the 2022 World Cup final is one of the biggest in recent memory. What makes these moments so intriguing is the sheer number of possibilities that arise from a single split-second decision. If the ball had found the back of the net instead of being saved by Martínez, the entire narrative of the World Cup—and potentially football history—would have been altered.
4.1 The Power of Moments in Football
Kolo Muani’s miss is a reminder of how much power a single moment holds in football. The sport is filled with tiny instances that can change the course of careers, legacies, and nations. From Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt in the 2006 final to Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time goal in 2010, history is often shaped by these pivotal moments.
Kolo Muani’s miss may have spared Messi from the ultimate heartbreak, allowing him to finally lift the World Cup and secure his place as one of football’s all-time greats. But it also left fans wondering: what if?
4.2 Football’s Unique Appeal: Unpredictability
Part of football’s allure is its unpredictability. The fact that a single play, a single kick of the ball, can make or break an entire tournament is what makes it the most popular sport on the planet. Kolo Muani’s moment of brilliance, and Emiliano Martínez’s equally brilliant save, epitomizes the drama that football can produce.
It’s this unpredictability that keeps fans coming back, watching, hoping, and debating. What if Kolo Muani had scored? What if Messi had retired without a World Cup? Football fans may never know the answer, but the debate, the analysis, and the passion will continue, fueled by moments like these.
Conclusion
Randal Kolo Muani’s missed opportunity in the 123rd minute of the 2022 World Cup final will go down as one of the most significant “what-if” moments in modern football history. In that fleeting second, he stood on the edge of football immortality, only for Emiliano Martínez’s outstretched leg to deny him.
Had Kolo Muani scored, the world of football would look very different today. France would have been crowned back-to-back world champions, Kylian Mbappé’s legacy would have skyrocketed, and Lionel Messi might have ended his international career without the World Cup that had eluded him for so long.
But football, much like life, is full of fine margins. The story of the 2022 World Cup will forever be defined by the drama, the brilliance, and the heartbreak that it delivered. And as fans, we can only imagine how different things might have been if Kolo Muani had taken that chance.
