After a thrilling match that saw Argentina take the lead twice, then lose it again twice, Argentina won the World Cup. They also won a penalty shootout in what has been called one of the most memorable finals in the history of soccer.
It was a momentous occasion for Lionel Messi who won the most prestigious prize in football. However, it was heartbreaking for Kylian Mbappe, his club teammate, whose hat trick was not enough to win France victory.
Messi was named player of the tournament because of his contribution to bringing glory to Argentina at the World Cup. This was the first time Argentina has won the trophy since Diego Maradona’s famous “hand of God” in 1986.
This forward is a genius, having scored 793 goals for country and club. But his cool finish in the final in Qatar could be his best.
He is now in a league similar to Maradona, who won the World Cup once but is still regarded as one the greatest players ever. This is partly because he scored the “goal” of the century against England in 1986’s controversial World Cup quarter final. Also, Pele, a Brazilian record-holder, was a three-time World Cup champion.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mabappe scored three goals, two from the penalty spot as well as again in the shootout. France was 2-0 up and again 3-2 down at the end of the match.
His hat trick was a replica of the historic triple achieved by Sir Geoff Hurst, England’s World Cup final 1966 – the only player to achieve this feat.
He was the tournament’s top scorer and the Golden Boot winner.
France could not overcome Emiliano Martinez, Argentina’s heroic keeper, despite heavy Mbappe magic.
Aston Villa’s goalie, known for his penalty prowess, saved a shot from Kingsley Coman. Then, Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide and Argentina won.
Halfway through the first period, the South American side led the way. A foul by Ousmane Dembele in the box resulted in Messi scoring from the penalty spot his sixth goal of this tournament.
Later, an exciting counter-attack was launched down the right flank by Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton to feed Angel Di Maria who scored Argentina’s second goal.
France scored a goal back after Kolo Muani’s foul led to another penalty. This was converted by Kylian Mbappe.
It was Mbappe’s turn again just 90 seconds later. France won with a spectacular volley.
After full-time, the score was tied at 2-2. This required an additional 30 minutes of play in order to determine the final result.
Extra-time saw Messi score again and knock in the rebound despite Kounde trying to clear the line.
Mbappe then tied France again with a penalty just minutes before the end of extra time. The game was relegated to a penalty shootout.
It was Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s moment to win, saving one shot and letting another go wide.
Argentine won the penalty match 4-2.
Messi won the tournament with his two goals and a successful penalty in the shootout. He was awarded the Golden Ball, the play of the Tournament award.
Messi said to reporters that he knew God would give him this gift, and that he had the feeling that the World Cup was the one.
It took so much, but it’s finally here. It was hard, but we did it. I can’t wait for Argentina to see the madness of it all.
It concluded what was one of the most controversial World Cups ever. There were numerous disputes over how migrant workers are treated, LGBT+ rights, and whether the tournament should be moved to winter in order to avoid the scorching summer heat.
The World Cup in Qatar is over and the countdown begins to the next World Cup finals. This will be the first co-hosted tournament since 2002, when it was hosted by Canada, Mexico, and Japan.