Top 5 greatest moments in World Cup history: The night Lionel Messi finally claimed his crown

The build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 is gathering pace, with North America preparing to stage the biggest tournament in football. This edition will also introduce a major change, as the competition expands to 48 teams for the first time, bringing together nations from every corner of the game.

As excitement continues to grow, it offers a timely opportunity to look back at the tournament’s history and the moments that have shaped its global appeal. Against that backdrop, soccer24 takes a closer look at Top 5 greatest moments in World Cup history, revisiting the defining scenes that have left a lasting mark on the sport.

Top 5 greatest moments in World Cup history

5. Zinedine Zidane wins it (1998)

Eight years before the infamous red card in a World Cup final, Zinedine Zidane had already written his name into football history with a defining display on the biggest stage. In 1998, he was at the heart of France’s triumph, delivering when it mattered most on home soil.

The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute, as Zidane rose above Leonardo to meet Emmanuel Petit’s corner and guide a powerful header beyond Cláudio Taffarel. Just before the interval, he struck again in similar fashion, this time converting from Youri Djorkaeff’s delivery after finding space in a crowded penalty area.

While many players struggled with the pressure of a home final, Zidane imposed himself on the occasion and controlled the game with authority.

4. England triumph (1966)

When England staged the 1966 World Cup, the hosts carried both expectation and a sense of historical duty as the birthplace of the game. The final brought a fitting narrative, with England facing West Germany at Wembley in what remains one of the most talked-about matches in football history.

At the centre of it was Geoff Hurst, whose hat-trick secured his place in the record books. His second goal, however, became the defining talking point. The ball struck the crossbar, bounced down near the line and spun away, leaving uncertainty over whether it had crossed fully. After a brief consultation, the linesman signalled a goal, a decision that has been debated ever since.

As the game drew to a close, the famous commentary line, “They think it’s all over, it is now!”, captured the moment England sealed their first and only World Cup title.

3. Diego Maradona magic (1986)

The quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup 1986 between Argentina and England is often remembered as the stage where Diego Maradona delivered one of the most extraordinary individual displays in football history. Within the space of four minutes, he produced two moments that came to define his legacy.

The first, later labelled the “Hand of God”, was steeped in controversy. Yet it was his second goal that truly captured global attention. In the 55th minute, Maradona collected the ball from Héctor Enrique inside his own half, turned sharply and accelerated past Peter Beardsley and Peter Reid before continuing his run towards goal.

He ended the tournament with five goals and five assists, leading Argentina to the title with a level of individual influence rarely seen on the world stage.

2. Italy national football team surge (1982)

The final of the FIFA World Cup 1982 in Madrid saw the Italy national football team complete one of the competition’s most memorable turnarounds. After a slow start to the tournament, they grew in confidence at the decisive stage and produced a commanding 3-1 victory over West Germany.

While the result itself was clear, the defining image came with Italy’s second goal. Marco Tardelli struck from the edge of the area with his left foot, before embarking on a celebration that has since become iconic. Running towards the bench, he shouted in raw emotion, his face filled with intensity and disbelief.

The moment, now widely known as the “Tardelli Cry”, captured the magnitude of the occasion. It was more than a goal celebration; it symbolised the release of pressure and the sense that Italy had taken full control of the final.

1. Lionel Messi crowned (2022)

At the FIFA World Cup 2022, Lionel Messi finally claimed the one honour that had long shaped the narrative around his career. After years of comparison with Diego Maradona, he delivered on the sport’s biggest stage. The final between Argentina national football team and France national football team ended 3-3 after extra time, in a contest widely regarded as one of the greatest ever played, before Argentina prevailed.

The triumph capped a remarkable period. Prior to 2021, questions remained over Messi’s international record, yet within 18 months he secured the Copa América, the Finalissima and the World Cup. As he made his way to collect the Golden Ball, Messi paused beside the trophy and gently kissed it, a spontaneous gesture that reflected both relief and fulfilment after years of near misses.

Top 5 greatest moments in World Cup history

5. Zinedine Zidane wins it (1998)

4. England national football team triumph (1966)

3. Diego Maradona magic (1986)

2. Italy national football team surge (1982)

1. Lionel Messi crowned (2022)

Soccer24.net has listed the top 5 greatest moments in World Cup history.

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