Revisit the standout performances from the 2022 World Cup, from Messi’s brilliance to Morocco’s historic run, and how it shaped global football leagues.

The Best Performances from the 2022 World Cup Revisited

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was a tournament for the ages. It wasn’t just about crowning a champion—it was about rewriting Habanero history. From Lionel Messi’s crowning glory to Morocco’s unprecedented semi-final run, the tournament offered a perfect blend of drama, skill, heartbreak, and triumph.

As we move closer to World Cup 2026, revisiting the most memorable performances of 2022 helps us understand how players, nations, and even football leagues were transformed. Here’s a detailed look at the best individual and team performances from Qatar.

🇦🇷 Lionel Messi – A Legendary Campaign

No performance in the 2022 World Cup outshined that of Lionel Messi. At 35 years old, he led Argentina to their third World Cup title, scoring 7 goals and providing crucial assists throughout the campaign.

Key Highlights:

Scored in the group stage, knockout rounds, and the final.
Converted penalties under immense pressure.
Became the first player to score in every stage of a World Cup.

Impact on the League:
Messi’s performance reignited global interest in Ligue 1, where he played for PSG at the time. His brilliance also added value to every league he touched, including La Liga, where his legacy remains unmatched.

🇲🇦 Morocco – A Continental Breakthrough

Morocco shocked the world by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup. Under coach Walid Regragui, they defeated European heavyweights like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal.

Key Players:

Sofyan Amrabat (Serie A): Tireless midfield engine.
Achraf Hakimi (Ligue 1): Dynamic full-back play.
Yassine Bounou (La Liga): Heroic goalkeeping.

Impact on the League:
Moroccan stars earned transfer interest and elevated the profile of African footballers in top European leagues, proving talent can come from beyond traditional powerhouses.

🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé – Almost Heroic

Despite France falling short in the final, Kylian Mbappé delivered one of the most iconic World Cup finals performances, scoring a hat-trick against Argentina and winning the Golden Boot with 8 goals.

Memorable Moments:

Scored twice in two minutes in the final to bring France level.
Converted a high-pressure penalty in the shootout.
Displayed unmatched speed, skill, and composure.

Impact on the League:
Mbappé’s electrifying performances enhanced Ligue 1’s global appeal and cemented his status as a face of the league and world football.

🇭🇷 Luka Modrić – The Midfield Maestro

At 37, Luka Modrić once again pulled the strings for Croatia, guiding them to a third-place finish. His performance was built on control, vision, and leadership.

Highlights:

Instrumental in key matches vs Brazil and Morocco.
Controlled tempo against younger, faster opposition.
Remained vital for both club (Real Madrid) and country.

Impact on the League:
Modrić’s continued excellence reaffirmed La Liga’s reputation as a haven for elite midfielders. His presence boosts both performance and prestige for Real Madrid and Spanish football.

🇯🇵 Japan – The Comeback Kings

Japan delivered stunning comebacks in the group stage against Germany and Spain, topping a group that many expected them to finish last in.

Standout Players:

Ritsu Dōan (Bundesliga): Impact sub with crucial goals.
Takefusa Kubo (La Liga): Flashy and fast in attack.
Ko Itakura (Bundesliga): Strong defensive showings.

Impact on the League:
Japanese players earned praise and new contracts across Europe. The J.League’s development system gained global attention for producing technically sound and mentally resilient players.

🇧🇷 Richarlison – Brazil’s Spark

Brazil didn’t go all the way, but Richarlison gave fans one of the tournament’s most viral goals—a bicycle kick in the group stage—and a passionate campaign overall.

Performance Highlights:

3 goals in the tournament.
Led Brazil’s attack with energy and flair.
Showcased his versatility and passion.

Impact on the League:
Richarlison’s form helped shine a light on Premier League-based players, where Brazilian stars increasingly shape narratives for clubs like Tottenham, Arsenal, and Liverpool.

🏴 England – The Youth Revolution

England’s campaign may have ended in disappointment, but their young core showed immense promise, especially Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden.

Key Takeaways:

Bellingham’s box-to-box dominance at age 19.
Saka’s creativity and maturity under pressure.
Harry Kane’s leadership in front and on the scoresheet.

Impact on the League:
The Premier League benefited massively, with rising stars gaining worldwide visibility, increasing TV ratings, and influencing youth development strategies across Europe.

🇵🇹 Gonçalo Ramos – The Breakout Star

While Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines, it was Gonçalo Ramos who stole the show against Switzerland with a hat-trick—the first of the 2022 World Cup.

League Impact:
Ramos’ performances sparked transfer interest from top clubs, increasing the visibility of the Portuguese Primeira Liga as a breeding ground for elite strikers.

Global League Reverberations

The 2022 World Cup did more than just crown a champion—it reshaped perceptions of leagues across the globe:

La Liga retained its image of elite tactical football.
Premier League emerged with rising stars and increased global dominance.
Bundesliga and Serie A gained recognition for player development.
J.League and African domestic leagues gained credibility and scouting focus.

Conclusion: The World Cup and the League Connection

The World Cup is the biggest stage, but it’s the football leagues that build the stars. Every iconic moment in Qatar 2022—from Messi’s brilliance to Morocco’s magic—was made possible by years of league development, training, and competition.

If you loved the magic of the World Cup, it’s time to go deeper. Follow your favorite league, support your local clubs, and witness the rise of future World Cup heroes in the making.

Support the game beyond the World Cup—support the league that builds it. ⚽