Where were you when Messi finally lifted the World Cup trophy in 2022?

It's been three years since Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar. Yet, for many football fans, the night still feels unreal. On this day (18 December) in 2022, the world was glued to screens as Argentina and France played one of the most dramatic finals in World Cup history. It stayed with people not just as a game, but as a rollercoaster of hope, shock and relief, making it arguably one of the greatest matches in football history.

As the date comes around again, those memories return in vivid form. People remember every moment, the emotions they went through during the match, and how the streets sounded when the final whistle blew. From big screens in crowded streets to living rooms packed with friends and relatives, it was the night a long-held dream of Messi fans finally came true. To mark the day, a mix of voices, including hardcore supporters and occasional fans, shared their memories of that night.

Mbappé scored twice in a few seconds, and we were all devastated. I saw people around me with teary eyes, completely shocked. What had just happened!

— Mohammad Yasin, 19, shop assistant

After Mbappé scored the third goal and it was clear the match was going to penalties, I left the living room, went to my room and shut the door. I was so tense.

— Mahtab Mahdi Nihal, 21, student

All the girls in the hostel room were screaming after the penalties. It felt as if our country had just won something big.

— Fairuz Borsha, 26, private job holder

I was watching on a small TV with my customers, and business was booming during the match. Everyone was hugging strangers after Argentina's win. I even closed my shop to join the victory rally.

— Jibon Mia, 41, tea stall owner

I watched the final on my phone while on my shift, standing in a corner during extra time. When the last penalty went in, I quietly raised my fist because I couldn't shout.

— Akhter Hossain, 32, night guard

As someone who grew up supporting Argentina and watching Messi fall short again and again, seeing him finally lift the trophy felt deeply personal. It's not something you get to see every day.

— Rehnuma Alam Khan, 22, student