Both Argentina and France were looking to win their third world title prior to the kick off of the Qatar 2022 grand finale.
After a 3-3 thriller across 120 minutes, Argentina bested France 4-2 on penalties to win their third World Cup, after 36 years.
Earlier, while Argentina took a 2-0 lead via Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, it was Kylian Mbappe, who got France back with a brace inside 97 seconds in the second half.
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When Lionel Messi found the net once again in extra time, France hit back via another goal from Mbappe from the spot.
France coach Didier Deschamps reverted to his preferred lineup after centre back Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot shook off a virus that had ruled them out of the semi-final against Morocco.
Upamecano started alongside Raphael Varane after the Manchester United defender also recovered from a virus, while Olivier Giroud commenced up front flanked by Kylian Mbappe on his left and Ousmane Dembele on his right.
Even though Messi got a brace on the night, Mbappe’s hatrick would have become the news in town until Emiliano Martinez’s save and a miss from one French player crowned La albiceleste champions of the world.
This gives Lionel Messi his first World Cup trophy after five attempts and two grand finals, wining the golden ball award on both occassions.
Source: Onuaonline.com|Ghana
