Lionel Messi and Argentina came out victorious in a dramatic World Final defeating France 4-2 on penalties at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Sunday.

Lionel Scaloni’s side had raced into a 2-0 goal lead at halftime with Messi scoring from the Penalty Spot after 23 minutes before Di Maria grabbed the second goal from Alex Mac Allister’s well knitted assist. Argentina were looking comfortable for the majority of the game until a moment of genius from Kylian Mbappe sent the game.

Mbappe scored a brace within two minutes first from the spot and then a volleyed effort which brought the game alive.

Messi looked to be securing the one major honour missing from his cabinet with a third Argentina goal but Mbappe sealed his hat trick from the Penalty Spot to send the final to a shootout.

He then contributed a delicate touch within a magnificent counter-attack that ended with Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister setting up Di Maria for the second 13 minutes later.

And so it went to penalties, with the two greats Mbappe and Messi opening the scoring. But Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved from Kingsley Coman, before Aurelian Tchouameni missed, leaving Gonzalo Montiel to win the World Cup.

Messi, a World Cup winner at last, collapsed to his knees in the centre circle and was engulfed by jubilant Argentina team-mates.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer