In probably the wildest final in FIFA’s 92-year history, Argentina won its third World Cup title by defeating France 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw with two goals by the 35-year-old Messi and a hat trick by France’s shining talent Kylian Mbappé. Argentina started the match against France with aggressiveness and relentless attacks. The French, who looked dominant all tournament, struggled to find the rhythm, cohesion, and energy it had showcased in Qatar.
Argentina started strong with two goals leaving France jilted. But Kylian Mbappe restored hope for his country with two quick-fire goals late in the match, taking the game to extra time before Messi popped up with a third goal for Argentina in the 109th minute. Mbappe then sealed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 118th minute. The deciding penalties saw Argentina scoring four goals while France could only secure one goal through their gifted striker, Mbappe.
“It’s just crazy that it became a reality this way,” Messi said. “I craved this so much. I knew God would bring this gift to me. I felt that this (World Cup) was the one.”
