Argentina led by Messi, defeated world champions, France 4-2 on penalties in the final of this year’s World Cup played at the Lusail Stadium
By Kehinde Okeowo
Argentina lifted the World Cup for the first time in close to four decades after beating World Champions, France 4-2 on penalties in the final of this year’s tournament played at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
The South Americans started the brightest of the two sides and their dominance was rewarded in the 21st minute when Ousmane Dembele conceded a penalty after tripping Angel Di Maria.
Lionel Messi stepped forward and put it away, sending Hugo Lloris the wrong way to make it 1-0 the Albicelestes.
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Lionel Scaloni’s men doubled their advantage in the 36th minute when Angel Di Maria scored with the left foot after an assist from Alexis Mac Allister.
France reduced the deficit in the 80th minute when Kylian Mbappe put the ball away from the penalty spot after Nicolas Otamendi conceded a penalty for pushing Randal Kolo Muani.
The defending champions then equalised a minute later when Kylian Mbappe scored with the right foot after Marcus Thuram provided an assist.
Messi restored Argentina’s lead in the extra period, before Mbappe stunned the South Americans again from the penalty spot to make it 3-3 and force a shootout with his third goal- the first hat-trick in a World Cup final since 1966.
But Kingsley Coman had his penalty saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, and Aurelien Tchouameni then missed the target, allowing Gonzalo Montiel to fire home the winner and spark incredible scenes.
Argentina prior to this feat had won the World Cup twice, once in 1978 and in 1986 when football star, Diego Maradona led the team to win. They were also runner-up on three occasions.