Argentina vs. France, FIFA World Cup 2022: After a 120-minute thriller, Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties to win their third World Cup in 36 years.
Argentina won its third World Cup title in what was arguably the wildest final in the tournament’s 92-year history, defeating France 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw that featured two goals from the 35-year-old Messi and a hat trick by his heir apparent, France forward Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé and Messi converted their respective teams’ first penalties. Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez saved Kingsley Coman’s attempt, and Aurelien Tchouameni then missed for France, giving Gonzalo Montiel the chance to end it. He converted the penalty and elicited wild celebrations.
Europe’s run of four consecutive World Cup victories, which began in 2006, came to an end. Brazil was the last South American champion, and it was also in Asia, when Japan and South Korea hosted the tournament in 2002.
Argentina built on its Copa America victory from last year, its first major trophy since 1993, in Qatar. It’s a fitting end to Messi’s international career, which is far from over. After the game, he stated that he would continue to play for the national team.
