In a performance that will go down in World Cup history, Lionel Messi led Argentina to World Cup victory on Sunday, topping off his record-breaking career by winning the sport's top honor.
At halftime, Argentina was in control and held a 2-0 advantage. When Ousmane Dembele fouled Angel di Maria in the 23rd minute, they were awarded a penalty kick, with Messi sending France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way. In the 36th minute, they scored their second goal after a counterattack down the right wing through Alexis Mac Allister, who crossed the ball to the far post where di Maria guided a shot past Lloris who was closing in.
However, France fought back thanks to a quick-fire double from Mbappe in the 80th and 81st minutes. After Nicolas Otamendi fouled substitute Randal Kolo Muani in the area, the French striker executed the resulting penalty to cut the lead in half in the 80th minute. Mbappe scored the equalizer with a volley a minute later to force overtime. Messi then scored again to give his team the lead before Mbappe finished his hat-trick to draw the game at 3-3 and require penalties.
Gonzalo Montiel swept home the decisive spot kick to win the shootout 4-2 for Argentina — but this was Messi’s moment.
Messi had tasted bitter defeat in the 2014 final against Germany but in his fifth, the 35-year-old finally emulated Argentina idol Diego Maradona by leading his nation to World Cup glory for the first time since Maradona’s victory in Mexico City in 1986.
Sunday night’s win helped Argentina secure their third World Cup, following triumphs in 1978 and 1986.
At halftime, Argentina was in control and held a 2-0 advantage. When Ousmane Dembele fouled Angel di Maria in the 23rd minute, they were awarded a penalty kick, with Messi sending France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way. In the 36th minute, they scored their second goal after a counterattack down the right wing through Alexis Mac Allister, who crossed the ball to the far post where di Maria guided a shot past Lloris who was closing in.
However, France fought back thanks to a quick-fire double from Mbappe in the 80th and 81st minutes. After Nicolas Otamendi fouled substitute Randal Kolo Muani in the area, the French striker executed the resulting penalty to cut the lead in half in the 80th minute. Mbappe scored the equalizer with a volley a minute later to force overtime. Messi then scored again to give his team the lead before Mbappe finished his hat-trick to draw the game at 3-3 and require penalties.
Gonzalo Montiel swept home the decisive spot kick to win the shootout 4-2 for Argentina — but this was Messi’s moment.
Messi had tasted bitter defeat in the 2014 final against Germany but in his fifth, the 35-year-old finally emulated Argentina idol Diego Maradona by leading his nation to World Cup glory for the first time since Maradona’s victory in Mexico City in 1986.
Sunday night’s win helped Argentina secure their third World Cup, following triumphs in 1978 and 1986.
