Argentina becomes world champion for third time
By Trend
Argentina have won the World Cup for a third time, beating France 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw in the 2022 final in Qatar, Trend reports.
Lionel Messi’s penalty and a goal from Ángel Di María appeared to have put Argentina in control, but two quick Kylian Mbappé goals turned the game on its head with 10 minutes to go. The French talisman converted a penalty then volleyed home 60 seconds later to send the final to extra time.
Argentina rallied in extra time, with Dayot Upamecano twice denying substitute Lautaro Martínez before half-time. Early in the second half, Martínez broke through again and after Hugo Lloris parried his shot, Messi forced the ball over the line. Still France would not give in, and Mbappé converted a late penalty to level again.
Mbappé then stepped up first in the shootout, scoring before Messi rolled the ball past Lloris. Kingsley Coman saw his penalty saved and Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide, allowing Gonzalo Montiel to convert the winning spot-kick and send his nation into raptures as Messi crowned his glittering career with the greatest prize of all.
The Albiceleste began the game on the front foot at Lusail Stadium in front of a crowd dominated by their supporters and took the lead with 23 minutes played in the first half. Ángel Di María drew contact from Ousmane Dembélé inside the area, and referee Szymon Marciniak pointed to the penalty spot.
Lionel Messi stepped up and sent the France keeper, Hugo Lloris, the wrong way to put Argentina in front. Thirteen minutes later it was two, as Lionel Scaloni’s side broke at speed after a rare French foray upfield. After Messi’s flick, Alexis Mac Allister played in Di María, who drilled the ball beyond Lloris to put Argentina in control.
