On December 18, 2022, Argentina and France played one of the best finals in World Cup history. It took place in Doha, Qatar. Argentina won in a penalty shootout despite a great performance by Kylian Mbappe. Lionel Messi finally managed to conquer glory for the "Albiceleste". Undoubtedly, a World Cup that will not be forgotten. But what has become of all these heroes this year?

In a country like Argentina, football players often have a status that goes beyond just sports; therefore, the names of those who were part of the team that won the 2022 Qatar World Cup are on a pedestal for a nation that had not lifted the golden cup since 1986.

1. Lionel Messi
   The first name needs no introduction since apart from being the captain of the 'Albiceleste', Lionel Messi is one of the greatest players of all time. After winning the World Cup and finishing as both the top assist provider and the second-highest goal-scorer in the tournament, Messi concluded his career with Paris Saint Germain by winning Ligue 1.
   Afterwards, he signed with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he was welcomed as an idol and quickly thrilled fans in Florida with 11 goals and 5 assists in 14 matches.
   Additionally, Argentina's leader recently won his eighth Ballon d'Or award – making him a historically leading figure – becoming also the first player to win it without playing in Europe.
2. Emiliano Martinez
   Another responsible for that historic achievement was goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who also received an esteemed award on that same night: The 'Dibu' won the Best Goalkeeper accolade for his extraordinary saves which saved Albicelestes on several occasions during matches such as his crucial stop against Kolo Muani at the last minute during the final match.
   Afterwards, he achieved getting Aston Villa - his club team - to currently rank third in the Premier League and qualify to play in the following year's Conference League; this marked their first time participating in European competitions in 13 years. Moreover, with the national team, he established a historic record of 752 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal.
3. The defense
   The defense of the 'Scaloneta' (nickname for Argentina's national team) was another key factor in their success at Qatar 2022 and has continued to perform well after that World Cup: right-back Nahuel Molina, center-backs Nicolás Otamendi and Christian Romero, and left-back Nicolás Tagliafico. Each of them, except Tagliafico, returned to their respective clubs where they are indispensable stars with guaranteed starting positions.
   Molina was the only one who changed teams last summer; he was transferred from Ajax Amsterdam to Olympique Lyon. Currently his team finds itself at the bottom position of Ligue 1 – a rather unusual situation for this renowned French club.
4. The midfield
   The engine room of this team was commanded by midfielders Rodrigo de Paul, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis MacAllister. De Paul returned alongside Molina to Atlético Madrid contributing significantly towards a fantastic year 2023 for his club.
   On the other hand, Fernández returned to a desolate Chelsea where despite his level of play - the 'Blues' failed to secure qualification for continental competitions for the first time in quite some time.
   MacAllister achieved leading Brighton & Hove Albion FC – his club - to its highest-ever league finish which is sixth place in the Premier League; thus securing qualification for the Europa League – something that had never been accomplished before by the institution. Last summer he would sign with Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.
5. The attack
   Although it varied at times throughout matches during the competition stage as well as knockout rounds - Argentina's attack also had some 'regular suspects'.
   Lautaro Martínez from Inter Milan was pivotal in his team's journey to the UEFA Champions League final, which they ultimately lost against Manchester City where his national team partner, Julián Álvarez, played. Álvarez became the first Argentine player in history to have won Copa Libertadores, World Cup, and Champions League over the course of his career.
   Another notable name is that of Ángel Di María whose return to Rosario Central is rumored. The 'Fideo' left Paris Saint Germain after seven seasons to return to the Portuguese side Benfica where he scored on his comeback game and crowned them as the country's Super Cup champions.
6. And Scaloni?
   There were other vital names responsible for the memorable title such as Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, or Gonzalo Montiel – who scored the decisive penalty against France. However, without a doubt, every name on that squad will always remain present in Argentina's memory alongside that of Lionel Scaloni who led them to glory.
   The coach joined esteemed company alongside César Luis Menotti and Carlos Salvador Bilardo when he achieved victory at Maracanã against Brazil for the first time during South American qualifiers; however, afterward, he cast doubts about continuing at the helm of 'Albiceleste'. His future remains uncertain at present.

And you? What were you doing on December 18th, 2022?