Messi Vs Mbappe – Shot Of The Month – December 2022
‘Shot of the Month’ is brought to you by Sport Industry Awards partner Shutterstock. In this ongoing image-led series, we turn the spotlight on those behind the lens. Telling the story of the standout photos that grace newspapers, magazines and digital screens around the world from the photographer’s point of view.
Javier Garcia, Shutterstock Sports Photographer
‘On December 18th, I had the privilege of attending the World Cup Final, which saw Argentina take on the reigning champions, France. Seeing two football greats go head-to-head at the biggest match in the world was as breathtaking as it sounds. Both Messi and Mbappé put up an amazing fight right until the last moment, culminating in THE best match I’ve ever had the pleasure of shooting.
At half-time, Argentina’s two goal lead left us all thinking that it was over for France. Little did we know that Mbappé was set to prove just why he’s one of football’s most exciting young players in the game by scoring two late goals. He scored an impressive hat trick, a first in a World Cup final since 1966, bringing Argentinian fans and players to the brink of tears.
However, after a tense period of extra time it went to the lottery of penalties. And, when Argentina’s Montiel fired in the decisive spot-kick, the stadium lit up and all hell broke loose among the Argentina fans and players.
The game had everything that is great about football. The quality of play, the goals, the ups, the downs, the records, the emotions, and not to mention a football great finally lifting the trophy.
There are so many moving parts to photographing matches at a World Cup, on and off the pitch. Sometimes logistics are not in your favour, or you don’t get your preferred spot, or something can go wrong in your technical checks. If you let any of these elements get the best of you, it can seriously affect your ability to do a good job. Just like actual sport, it’s also very dependent on your mindset. Self-doubt can get into your head at occasions as big as the World Cup Final.
My motto is ‘never panic.’ The beauty of sports photography is that the best image can happen at any time, especially when you have Messi on the pitch.’
