Kylian Mbappé has reflected on the 2022 World Cup final loss to Argentina, admitting the defeat still stings. In a recent conversation with Argentine legend Jorge Valdano for Movistar+, Mbappé offered candid insights into the game and his mindset.

Mbappé acknowledged Argentina's dominance in the match. Despite his historic hat-trick, only the second in a World Cup final after Geoff Hurst in 1966, France couldn't secure the victory. The game concluded with Argentina winning 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw.

"You don't think about scoring in a final; you think about winning it," Mbappé said. "It was a crazy match, and Argentina deserved to win because they were better throughout the game".

Mbappé also looked forward to the future and the upcoming 2026 World Cup. "We had a moment where we were better, but if you look at the match as a whole, it's deserved," he stated. "It makes you sad, but you can't forget it, because 2026 is coming and we don't want to end up sad again".

The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward had previously expressed his disappointment shortly after the 2022 World Cup final. "I think I'm never going to get over it," Mbappé said in December 2022, ten days after the loss. He emphasized that PSG shouldn't suffer because of the French national team's defeat. Mbappé highlighted the importance of returning to winning ways with his club, stating, "As I said to my teammates, there is no reason why the club should pay the price for the failure of the national team; they are two very different situations... It does me good to come back with a win and to have a link with the club, the supporters and my teammates".

Mbappé's performance in the 2022 World Cup was remarkable, as he scored eight goals in seven games, earning him the Golden Boot award ahead of Lionel Messi. Despite the personal accolades, the loss in the final was a bitter pill to swallow for the young superstar. Following the defeat, Mbappé posted a defiant message on social media, "Nous reviendrons [we will return]," signaling his determination to bounce back.

At only 23 years old during the 2022 World Cup, Mbappé already had 12 World Cup goals, placing him among the top players in World Cup history. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Mbappé is expected to be a key figure for France, aiming to lead his team to victory.