Argentina and their talisman Lionel Messi have defeated France in the 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup hosted in Qatar.
Defending champions, France, were making their fourth appearance in the final. They were also looking to become only the third team to win back-to-back editions of the tournament.
Argentina were also in their sixth final after comfortably beating Croatia 3-0 last time out. They’ve turned things around since their shock 2-1 opening-day defeat to Saudi Arabia
Messi and Mbappe came into the match with eyes on the most coveted football prize in the world. In fact, it was the eleventh World Cup final competed between a South American and European nation; South American sides lifted the trophy on seven of the previous 10 occasions. This victory for Argentina makes it eight out of eleven for South America.
The match started with many expecting a balanced game. However, it was Argentina who dictated the pace. Just after 22 minutes into the game, Argentina were awarded a penalty. Dembele nudged Angel di Maria from behind inside the box, and the referee pointed straight to the spot.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner held his nerve from the penalty spot and sent the goal keeper the wrong way. The goal saw Messi became the first man to score a goal in every knockout round of a World Cup finals. He was on target against Australia, the Netherlands and Croatia.
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Messi has also become only the second player after legendary Brazil striker Ronaldo to score 25 goals across World Cup and Copa America tournaments.
Argentina continued to boss possession and it didn’t take them long before they got their second goal. Upamecano lost the ball this time, giving Argentina the opportunity to break on a quick counter.
Messi flicked the ball past his marker to pick out Mac Allister’s run. Mac Allister then surged into the box before unselfishly squaring it to Di Maria. Lloris rushed out, but the winger’s first-time shot was cool and gave Argentina the two-goal lead they deserved.
