Messi’s Argentina has lifted the World Cup after a thrilling final encounter vs reigning champions France.
Argentina led the game 2-0 until the 80th minute, after which a quick succession of goals from France’s Kylian Mbappe dragged the Frenchmen level.
The game then went into extra time with Messi scoring a 108-minute goal to give Argentina the lead again briefly. However, two minutes to the end of extra time, the game would once again take a decisive turn as Acuna handled the ball in the 18-yard box. Mbappe scored a hattrick, dispatching the penalty calmly.
A crucial last-minute save by Argentina goalie Emi Martinex gave them a lifeline.
The Albiceleste then won the resulting penalty kickoff as Emi Martinez once again stepped up in the kickoffs to make a crucial stop. France were defeated on penalties and Argentina clinched the World Cup after an astonishing final finished 3-3 in normal time.
Record-breaking final
Olivier Giroud was deemed fit enough to start for France despite reports of a knee injury on Saturday, whilst Lionel Messi led the line for Argentina to become the man with the most World Cup appearances.
It was Argentina who started the brighter of the two teams as Messi looked to orchestrate things from his usual position behind Julian Alvarez.
Alexis Mac Allister had the first effort of the day as his 25-yard effort went straight down the throat of Hugo Lloris.
It was an incredibly nervy opening 15 minutes from France with Didier Deschamps’ side struggling to get the best out of their attacking players.
France made the first major error 22 minutes into the game as Ousmane Dembélé tripped Di Maria inside the area for a penalty.
Messi then stepped forward, placing the ball into the bottom corner for the opening goal.
The South Americans were flying now and doubled their lead in the 36th minute as Di María finished off a sparkling counter-attack.
France had to do something, but Deschamps went for the nuclear option after 40 minutes, as Giroud and Dembélé were both subbed to the shock of everyone watching.
Into the second half and Lionel Scaloni’s side were once again the dominant team with Les Bleus struggling to contain Messi and Di Maria.
France had their first corner of the game in the 50th minute but Emi Martinez dealt with the danger with consummate ease.
The Albiceleste weren’t resting on their laurels though and almost netted a third but Alvarez’s low effort was saved well by Lloris.
With 25 minutes to go, finally, France were starting to get into this match.
Antoine Griezmann put in a superb cross from the left that flew through the box and then Kolo Muani had a header that went wide of the post.
France eventually got their first shot on target in the 78th minute but Mbappé’s effort was saved with ease.
Les Bleus were given a lifeline with 10 minutes to go, however, as Kolo Muani was hauled down by Otamendi inside the area.
And it was Mbappé who netted from the spot as his penalty squirmed past Martinez and into the bottom corner.
This game then took a huge turn as Mbappé found himself some space inside the area and fired a brilliant effort past Martinez for the equaliser.
Messi had a great chance to net a winner in the seventh minute of injury time but his effort was palmed over the bar by Lloris.
The first half of extra time came and went but Argentina could have scored late on but Lautaro Martinez’s effort was blocked brilliantly by Dayot Upamecano.
But it was Messi who scored what looked like the winner with 10 minutes of the game remaining as he bundled over from close range.
This match took another ridiculous turn with four minutes remaining as France got a second penalty which Mbappé netted for his hat-trick.
An astonishing final almost had a winner right at the death as Kolo Muani saw his effort saved by Martinez and right up the other end, Martinez’s header went wide when it looked easier to score.
We went to penalties as France missed first through Kingsley Coman and then Aurelien Tchoumeni put it wide.
Messi, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, and Montiel all scored for Argentina winning them the trophy.
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