Argentina secured a dramatic 4-2 victory over France in the World Cup final, held at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Sunday evening. The match, which ended 3-3 after extra time, saw Argentina claim their third World Cup title following a tense penalty shootout. Lionel Messi, who scored twice during regular time, was named player of the match. The South American side, led by captain Messi, dominated the first half with two goals, but France fought back with two quick goals in the second half. Kylian Mbappé, who scored a hat-trick, became only the second player in World Cup history to achieve this feat in a final. The match, witnessed by a global audience of millions, was hailed as one of the most thrilling in the tournament’s history.
Argentina Claims Historic World Cup Victory
Argentina claimed its third World Cup title in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France. The final, held at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, ended 3-3 after extra time, with Argentina ultimately prevailing 4-2 on penalties.
Lionel Messi scored twice in the final, including a spectacular opening goal from a free-kick. Kylian Mbappé also scored twice for France, including a hat-trick in the match, becoming only the second player to achieve this feat in a World Cup final.
The match was marked by intense drama, with Argentina taking an early lead, France equalising, and the scores seesawing throughout extra time. Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, was instrumental in the penalty shootout, making two crucial saves.
Argentina’s victory was celebrated by fans worldwide, with jubilant scenes in Buenos Aires as thousands gathered to watch the match. President Alberto Fernández was among those present, expressing his pride in the team’s achievement.
The triumph caps a remarkable World Cup campaign for Argentina, who entered the tournament as one of the favourites. Their victory marks the culmination of a long-awaited success for a team that has long been considered one of the most talented in the world.
France, meanwhile, will reflect on a tournament that saw them reach the final for the second time in three World Cups. Their young squad, many of whom were playing in their first World Cup, gained valuable experience that will serve them well in future tournaments.
Lionel Messi Secures World Cup Glory in Dramatic Final
Lionel Messi secured his place in football history as Argentina defeated France 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win the World Cup final. The match, played at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, ended 3-3 after extra time in one of the most dramatic finals ever witnessed.
Messi scored twice during the game, including a goal in extra time that briefly put Argentina ahead. Kylian Mbappé of France also scored a hat-trick, becoming only the second player to achieve this feat in a World Cup final. The match marked the first time a World Cup final went to a penalty shootout since 2006.
Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, was instrumental in the shootout, saving two penalties. “I knew I had to step up. I prepared for this moment,” Martínez said post-match. France’s Kingsley Coman missed his penalty, sealing Argentina’s victory.
The win marked Argentina’s third World Cup title, their first since 1986. Messi, who has been with the team since 2005, finally lifted the trophy he has long coveted. The final was a testament to the endurance and skill of both teams, providing a fitting climax to the tournament.
France Falls Short Despite Strong Performance
Argentina claimed their third World Cup title in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France. The final, held at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, ended 3-3 after extra time, with Argentina emerging victorious 4-2 on penalties.
France dominated possession throughout the match, maintaining 62% of the ball. Despite their control, they struggled to break down Argentina’s resolute defence, which held firm for much of the game.
Kylian Mbappé put France ahead in the 8th minute, capitalising on an error from Emiliano Martínez. Argentina equalised just before half-time through Lionel Messi, who slotted home from the penalty spot after a handball by Dayot Upamecano.
The second half saw France extend their lead through Mbappé again, who became only the second player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. Argentina responded immediately through Ángel Di María, setting up a thrilling conclusion.
In extra time, Messi put Argentina ahead, only for Mbappé to complete his hat-trick with a powerful strike. The game then went to penalties, where Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez proved decisive, saving from Kingsley Coman and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
France’s manager Didier Deschamps expressed disappointment but praised his team’s efforts. “We gave everything, but Argentina were worthy winners,” he said post-match. Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi, lifting the trophy for the first time, dedicated the victory to his family and the nation.
Thrilling World Cup Final Ends in Argentine Celebration
Argentina claimed their third World Cup title in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France at the Lusail Stadium. The final ended 3-3 after extra time, with Argentina ultimately prevailing 4-2 on penalties. Lionel Messi scored twice during normal time, including a sensational goal from the halfway line.
Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick for France, becoming only the second player to achieve the feat in a World Cup final. His three goals brought France level at 3-3 in the 80th minute, forcing the game into extra time.
The decisive moment came in the penalty shootout when Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning spot-kick. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved two penalties, including France’s final attempt by Kingsley Coman.
The match set a new record for most goals scored in a World Cup final, surpassing the previous high of six in the 1966 final. Argentina’s victory marks their first World Cup win since 1986, with Messi lifting the trophy in his final World Cup appearance.
French captain Hugo Lloris expressed disappointment but praised Argentina’s performance. “They were the better team today,” Lloris said post-match. “We gave everything, but Argentina deserved to win.”
Key Moments Decide Intense Battle for the Trophy
Argentina clinched the World Cup trophy in a dramatic final against France. The match ended 4-2 in Argentina’s favour after a thrilling penalty shootout, following a 3-3 deadlock after extra time.
Kylian Mbappé made history with a hat-trick, becoming only the second player to achieve this feat in a World Cup final. His three goals tied the match at 3-3 in the 80th minute, forcing the game into extra time.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, capitalising on a defensive error. Ángel Di María doubled Argentina’s lead in the 36th minute with a powerful strike, putting Argentina 2-0 up at half-time.
France fought back in the second half. Mbappé pulled one back in the 53rd minute, and then equalised in the 64th minute with a clinical finish. The French forward completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute, stunning the Argentine defence.
In extra time, Messi scored his second goal of the night in the 108th minute, restoring Argentina’s lead. Mbappé equalised again in the 115th minute, setting the stage for a tense penalty shootout.
Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made two crucial saves in the shootout, securing the victory. Messi converted his penalty, fulfilling his lifelong dream of lifting the World Cup trophy.
Argentina’s victory over France in the World Cup final marks a historic moment for the South American nation, securing their third World Cup title. The dramatic penalty shootout, following a 3-3 draw after extra time, showcased the resilience and skill of both teams. Lionel Messi, who scored twice in the match, finally claimed his long-awaited World Cup trophy, cementing his legacy as one of football’s greatest players. The triumph also brings joy to a country eager for good news amid economic challenges. As Argentina celebrates, the world looks ahead to the next chapter in international football, with the Women’s World Cup set to take centre stage in 2023.
