Finally, Lionel Messi won the World Cup. And Argentina’s triumph over the last obstacle couldn’t have been more spectacular. On Sunday, December 18, in one of the greatest and craziest championship games, Messi scored twice to lead La Albiceleste to a World Cup victory.
Argentina totally dominated the first half of the game in terms of possession and offense. Following an Angel Di Maria foul by Ousmane Dembele, Messi converted a penalty in the 23rd minute. The second goal was scored by Di Maria in the 36th minute after Messi had organized the assault with a quick touch inside Argentina’s half.
Argentina vs France Highlights: Second Half
At halftime, Argentina had a 2-0 lead and appeared to be winning easily. However, Messi’s squad squandered the advantage, and France made a comeback, exactly like Argentina did in the game against the Netherlands when they surrendered a 2-0 lead after the 80th minute.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice in the final 10 minutes of regular time to tie the score and force extra time. Nicolas Otamendi fouled Randal Kolo Muani at the penalty spot, and in the 80th minute, Mbappe converted. Mbappe scored again on a volley a minute later to tie the score for France.
Argentina vs France Highlights: Extra Time
After scoring twice in less than two minutes, France was suddenly fired up and the Argentine defence appeared to be in disarray. But in the second extra time, Messi once more saved Argentina. Argentina took the lead in the 108th minute when Hugo Lloris stopped Lautaro Martinez’s attempt. Messi then scored on the rebound.
However, there was still more drama to come as Gonzalo Montiel’s extended arm hit Mbappe’s strike and France was given a penalty. Since England’s Geoff Hurst in 1966, Mbappe is the only player to score a hat-trick at the World Cup without making a mistake. After the last whistle of extra time, the score was now 3-3, and penalties were used to decide the game. Argentina won in the Penalties and became the world champions.
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