Sunday at the Lusail Stadium, Argentina defeated France 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win their third World Cup and Lionel Messi’s first.
Messi handed Argentina the lead after 23 minutes when it looked like Angel Di Maria was fouled by Ousmane Dembele.
The Argentine captain’s penalty kick turned the whole stadium into a frenzy. Messi became the first player in World Cup history to score in the group stage, round of 16, quarterfinal, semifinal, and final with this goal.
Within 13 minutes, Argentine pleasure quadrupled when Di Maria scored the second goal for Argentina, assisted by Messi’s pass and a superb team play. Messi’s incredible pass found MacAllister, who crossed the ball from the right side for Di Maria, who then scored for Juventus.
However, the story did not finish there. Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a span of 97 seconds in the second half to give the Frenchmen in the stadium new hope.
What a final to watch! Well deserved Argentina and Messi remains the GOAT ? !!! #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/5CyYO6bLf0
— Parimal Nathwani (@mpparimal) December 18, 2022
In the 80th minute, he converted a penalty kick before scoring with a right-footed volley to score his seventh goal of the tournament, keep himself in contention for the Golden Boot, and force extra time.
The first half of extra time was scoreless, but the last 15 minutes were thrilling and exciting. Messi put Argentina up 3-2 before Mbappe scored from the penalty spot in the 117th minute to complete his hat trick. It was also the first hat trick in the World Cup since 1966.
Both teams had opportunities to win the game, with Emiliano Martinez denying Kolo Muani in a one-on-one before Lautaro Martinez scored for Argentina a few minutes later.
The game was settled by penalties, and it was the South Americans who retained their composure to prevail 4-2 and deliver Argentina the trophy.
