Messi finally wins World Cup after Argentina beat France in thrilling final

Argentina are the champions after defeating France in a penalty shootout. A Messi penalty and Di Maria put Argentina two up at the interval. Scaloni's side looked to be cruising to victory, but an Mbappe penalty in the 80th minute was followed by another Mbappe goal moments later. In an open period of extra-time, Messi put Argentina ahead. However, a Montiel handball allowed Mbappe to equalise from the spot. In the shootout, Coman and Tchouameni's misses proved costly as Messi, Dybala, Paredes and Montiel all scored for Argentina to give them the World Cup. 

Argentina were positive from the off and Angel Di Maria, who came in for this one, had a chance after 17 minutes, but hit over. Giroud had a sniff at goal at the other end, but Scaloni's men were the better team and took the lead after 22 minutes. Di Maria got into the box, was tripped by Dembele and Polish ref Szymon Marciniak did not hesitate in pointing to the spot. Messi then stepped up and sent Lloris the wrong way. 

The South American side continued to attack and made it two before the interval through a terrific counterattack. Messi and Julian Alvarez combined before a ball was played to Mac Allister and he squared for Di Maria to score. The French failed to have a shot on target in the first half and it was 2-0 at the interval. 

In the second period, Argentina remained in control and De Paul had a shot at Lloris early in the second period. Julian Alvarez also tested the goalkeeper while France hardly threatened. It remained 2-0 going into the last 10 minutes, but then France fought back. Kolo Muani was fouled by Otamendi in the area and the referee pointed to the spot. Mbappe scored the penalty by just putting the ball out of Martinez's reach. Then, moments later, it was 2-2 when Coman and Rabiot combined and Marcus Thuram's lovely pass found combine to level. 

 

December 18, 2022

Scaloni's side were stunned and France could have even won it in normal time, but Rabiot was denied by goalkeeper Martinez. Despite Argentina being completely on the ropes, Lionel Messi very nearly won it deep into stoppage time from 25 yards, but Lloris sensationally tipped over. The game went to extra-time and after a brief respite, the action continued. 

Argentina were the better team in extra-time and substitute Lautaro Martinez could have scored twice had Dayot Upamecano not blocked his shots. Then, in the 108th minute, Argentina went ahead again when Enzo Fernandez gave to Lautaro, Lloris made a superb stop and then Messi hit home the rebound. Kounde's attempt to clear was only after the ball had crossed the line. 

However, France were not done and they drew level in the closing stages after Mbappe's shot was blocked by Montiel's hand. Marciniak once again pointed to the spot and Mbappe sent Martinez the wrong way. There was even time for a winner as Martinez denied Kolo Muani and then Lautaro headed wide at the other end.

In the end, the game went to penalties and after Mbappe and Messi both scored, Coman's spot kick was saved by the Argentina goalkeeper. Dybala took full advantage of the miss to give Argentina the advantage and then Tchouameni sent his penalty wide. Despite Kolo Muani scoring a brilliant penalty, Paredes and Montiel's successful penalties meant Argentina won the trophy after one of the greatest World Cup finals ever.