In one of the most dramatic finals of the 2022 World Cup – Argentina came out on top – becoming champions for a third time. The stands erupted blue and white cheers, as captain Lionel Messi raised the golden trophy into the air.
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Waves of euphoria flooded the Lusail Stadium in Qatar after a nail-biting match with France. Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty for Argentina.
But this was preceded by 120 minutes of intense normal time and extra-time action. The match saw France, twice, come out of nowhere to bring about the 3-3 deadlock into a penalty shootout.
Messi being carried and celebrated 🐐pic.twitter.com/4xdSRuZWR4
— Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) December 18, 2022
Argentina Coach, Lionel Scaloni, was visibly emotional. He dedicated the win to his parents. “I cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game,” he admitted to reporters post match. “I am proud of the work they did. With the blows we received today, this makes you emotional. I want to tell people to enjoy. It’s a historic moment for our country.”
La Albiceleste had the upper about until 10 minutes before the end of normal time. This is when French super soccer star, Kylian Mbappe pulled one back from the penalty spot. Less than two minutes later, Mbappe executed a stunner second goal that sent the game into extra time – and leaving the Argentinian fans shocked.
But their symbol of hope, Messi, responded with his second goal of the match in the 108th minutes. Putting Argentina up 3-2. But a handball in the box by Montiel gave Mbappe a gap to convert his second penalty, and land France a level up.
Notably, in the shootout, Argentina’s keeper, Emiliano Martinez, saved Kingsley Coman’s spot kick. Meanwhile, Aurelien Tchouameni missed the target for France, allowing Montiel to score his team’s fourth penalty to bring it all to a close.
Messi (35) told reporters after the match that he really wanted the victory, “I knew God was going to give it to me. Now I will enjoy it.” Tears of relief and joy rolled down many cheeks as he lifted the World Cup for Argentina. Messi is a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and brought his world cup career to a dramatic close.
