Three years have passed since that epic day in Lusail Stadium, Qatar, when Argentina defeated France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final. For many, the memories of that match remain vivid: Lionel Messi finally achieving his World Cup dream, Kylian Mbappé's stunning hat-trick, and the nail-biting penalty shootout that decided it all.
For Stu Holden and John Strong, FOX Sports' lead broadcast team, the game holds an even deeper significance. They were the voices that narrated the drama to an American audience, a responsibility and privilege they both cherish. On December 18, 2025, they took time to reminisce about that once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"You just want to bottle that moment up and put it in a time capsule," Holden reflected in a recent conversation.
The 2022 World Cup was a whirlwind for Strong and Holden. From calling group stage matches to analyzing the USMNT's performance, they were immersed in the tournament's intensity. But the final was different. It was a global spectacle, a clash of titans, and a moment of history unfolding before their eyes.
Strong and Holden had their own pre-match routines before the final. As the game approached, the energy in the stadium intensified. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and nervous energy.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Argentina dominated early, Messi scored, and it seemed like they would cruise to victory. But Mbappé had other plans, his two late goals forcing extra time. More goals followed, including another for Messi, before Mbappé completed his hat-trick with another penalty.
Then came the penalty shootout. The tension was almost unbearable as each player stepped up to take their shot. Finally, Argentina's Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive penalty, sending his nation into ecstasy.
Holden, who never uses his phone during broadcast, made an exception during Montiel's penalty. He filmed Strong's call of the winning penalty, capturing the raw emotion of the moment. "I knew in the moment that I'm not going to talk for two minutes," Holden said. "There's nothing I can say that's going to be better than what you're hearing and seeing".
As Argentina lifted the trophy, confetti rained down, and the celebrations began, Strong and Holden had a moment to take it all in. They had witnessed history, and they had brought it to life for viewers back home.
Now, as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup on home soil, the memories of 2022 serve as a reminder of the power and passion of the beautiful game. The next tournament promises new stories, new heroes, and new moments to capture. But the 2022 final will forever hold a special place in their hearts, a game that truly was one for the ages.
