Argentina wins after defeating France in a thrilling penalty shootout on Sunday, ending Lionel Messi’s quest for World Cup success. It was a game-changing conclusion. The momentum swung both ways for a dramatic 120 minutes. It was before Gonzalo Montiel converted the game-winning penalty after the game ended 3-3 after extra time.
Messi’s final FIFA World Cup
Messi is participating in his fifth and last World Cup, in which Argentina wins the FIFA World Cup. He scored twice, but Kylian Mbappe of France completed an incredible hat trick. The two superstars engaged in a thrilling duel on the greatest stage of them all for the first time in a final since 1966.
Messi’s penalty and Angel di Maria’s goal in the first half appeared to have ended the match during regular play. Mbappe tied the score with two goals in the dying minutes, one from the penalty spot. Both teams were reeling after the thrilling conclusion when Messi appeared to have won it in the 108th minute. Mbappe once again equalized from the spot, forcing overtime and the game to go to penalties.
Kingsley Coman of France had his penalty attempt stopped by Emiliano Martinez, who was named the competition’s top goalkeeper. Before Montiel won Argentina’s third World Cup championship and first since 1986, Aurelien Tchouameni missed the target.
Argentina wins the tournament in Qatar
The World Cup was Messi’s lone remaining trophy after having won seven Ballon d’Or awards. Throughout his career, he also won 38 trophies. Perhaps it is appropriate that the 35-year-old secured that coveted trophy in such an extraordinary game. He has strengthened his case as the best player in history. He was doing this by matching his idol, Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to the World Cup 36 years ago. After all the anticipation leading up to the match on Sunday, Argentina got off to a stronger start than the other squad. They pressed France hard, causing it to make blunders. Messi displayed skill right away, spotting openings and starting assaults. Mbappe, on the other hand, didn’t see much of the ball in the early going.
Ousmane Dembele fouled Angel Di Maria in the box in the 23rd minute. After the penalty was given, Messi was the center of attention. The magnificent No. 10 held his composure and beat Hugo Lloris. He did so while bearing the weight of an entire country and the world’s attention on him. The thousands of Argentine fans,
who outnumbered the French supporters inside the Lusail Stadium, expressed their emotions visibly. According to Opta, Messi’s goal made him the first player to score in a single World Cup’s group stage.
Argentina continued to gain strength after the opening goal, while France appeared to be behind. The World Cup final is not the match to get off to a poor start. France fell behind 2-0 before halftime as Di Maria finished off a beautiful team play begun by Messi. Before halftime, France manager Didier Deschamps quickly made a change by replacing Olivier Giroud and Moussa Dembele. However, it does not seem to make much difference as Argentina wins the game in Qatar.
Final Thoughts About The FIFA World Cup
However, just as it appeared that Argentina would win the championship, France had a lifeline. This occurred while Randal Kolo Muani was hauling in the area. Talisman Mbappe converted the ensuing penalty in the 80th minute. He had played in the background for much of the game. Momentum abruptly changed when France, out of nowhere, had a surge of energy. Then, Mbappe sensationally scored an equalizer a minute later.
Both teams had opportunities as the game entered extra time. Messi was able to nudge the ball across the goal line by latching onto a loose ball. Mbappe, 23, continued in front of a stunned audience. He finished his hat trick from the penalty spot. Mbappe’s third goal earned him the Golden Boot, awarded to the tournament’s best scorer. This is after he scored eight goals in Qatar. But it wasn’t enough to propel France to back-to-back World Cup victories. He also became only the second player, after Geoff Hurst in 1966, to score three goals in a final.
Messi and Mbappe each converted their tries in the penalty shootout. And the tension persisted when Argentina goalkeeper Martinez intervened to save his nation. Messi was alone with the golden trophy. He and Argentina had battled so hard to earn it as the dust fell on a final unlike any other. Messi was the champion of the competition.
Argentina wins the match over France in Qatar. This victory sparked an emotional outburst throughout the South American nation. The deepest thanks go to the national team led by Lionel Messi. He was finally able to lift the prize that had eluded him and is battling with feelings of joy. After Diego Maradona’s heroics in 1986, it was Argentina’s first World Cup triumph since then.
