In probably the wildest final in the tournament’s 92-year history, Argentina won its third World Cup title. They beat France 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw featuring two goals from Lionel Messi and a hat trick by Kylian Mbappé.
Messi was in scintillating form from the start of the final, putting Argentina ahead from the penalty spot after Angel Di Maria was tripped. Just 11 minutes later, he played a part in a flowing team move that resulted in Di Maria making it 2-0 after 36 minutes. Argentina dominated the first half and took a 2-0 lead into the break.
Mbappé, on the other hand, was anonymous until bursting into life by scoring two goals in a 97-second span. The first came from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, and the other was a volley to take the game to extra time at 2-2.
The 35-year-old Messi still had plenty of energy, and he was in the right position to tap in his second goal in the 108th minute. Argentina was on the brink of the title once again. However, France got another penalty after a handball, and Mbappé scored to take the thrilling game to a shootout.
Mbappé and Messi took their teams’ first penalties and scored. Kingsley Coman had an attempt saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez and Aurelien Tchouameni then missed for France. Gonzalo Montiel converted the penalty to the left and sparked wild celebrations.
Messi achieved what Maradona did in 1986 and dominated the World Cup for Argentina. He scored seven goals and embraced the responsibility of leading his team out of those dark moments after a shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening match.
Playing in the spirit of Maradona, Messi coupled his dazzling skills with rarely seen aggression and led Argentina to the title. He became the first man in a single edition of the World Cup to score in the group stage and then in every round of the knockout stage.
"Let’s go, Argentina!" Messi roared into a microphone on the field in the post-match celebrations after playing in a record 26th World Cup match. It’s quite the climax to Messi’s international career, which is not over just yet. He said after the match that he would continue to play with the national team.
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| TIGERS UNITED |
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