Pele at the Azteca? England in '66? Ranking the best World Cup finals

From Pele and Brazil at the Azteca in 1970 to England winning on home soil in 1966, and Lionel Messi's first World Cup, BBC Sport attempts to rank the best finals.

The World Cup final is the pinnacle of football, a stage where legends are made and history is written. From Uruguay's first triumph in 1930 to Argentina's epic victory over France in 2022, which finals stand out as the greatest? BBC Sport recently attempted to rank the most memorable finals, sparking debate among fans. The 1970 final at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City is often considered the pinnacle of artistic football. Brazil, led by Pele, defeated Italy 4-1 in a display of breathtaking skill. Pele scored a stunning volley and set up Carlos Alberto's iconic goal, cementing Brazil's legacy as the first nation to win the World Cup three times and retain the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently. England's 1966 triumph on home soil remains a defining moment in English football. Geoff Hurst's hat-trick in a 4-2 victory over West Germany included the controversial 'Wembley goal' that may or may not have crossed the line. It was the first hat-trick in a World Cup final and remains a source of national pride. The 1986 final saw Argentina defeat West Germany 3-2, with Diego Maradona orchestrating the victory despite not scoring. His midfield mastery guided Argentina to their second title, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time. France's 1998 final against Brazil was a masterclass from Zinedine Zidane, who scored two headers in a 3-0 win. The victory marked France's first World Cup title and launched Zidane into superstardom, while Brazil's unexpected collapse remains one of the tournament's biggest surprises. The 2014 final between Germany and Argentina was a tense affair, decided by Mario Gotze's extra-time goal. Germany's fourth title was built on a solid defense and a moment of individual brilliance, while Lionel Messi's heartbreak as he watched the trophy slip away became an enduring image. The 2022 final in Qatar is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever. Argentina and France played out a 3-3 thriller, with Messi and Kylian Mbappe both scoring twice. Argentina prevailed on penalties, giving Messi his long-awaited World Cup win. The match featured dramatic comebacks, extra-time twists, and a fitting conclusion to a legendary career. Each final tells a unique story, from Pele's elegance to Hurst's hat-trick, Maradona's dominance, Zidane's headers, and Messi's redemption. While opinions may differ on which is the best, these finals collectively showcase the drama and beauty of football, ensuring the World Cup remains the world's most celebrated sporting event.

Pele at the Azteca? England in '66? Ranking the best World Cup finals

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