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FIFA World Cup Final: Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 pens.)

Sunday, 18 December 2022 11:03 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 18 December 2022 11:03 PM ]

Lionel Messi has finally achieved his World Cup dream as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties to win their third crown, following the greatest final ever in the tournament's history at Lusail Stadium.

Messi had given Argentina the lead from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute. It saw him become the first man ever to score in every round of a single World Cup. He then contributed a delicate touch within a counterattack that ended with Alexis Mac Allister setting up Angel Di Maria for the second 13 minutes later.

Argentina were untroubled until the closing stages, only for Kylian Mbappe to give France a lifeline from the penalty spot with 9 minutes left. It took Mbappe just seconds to restore equality with a magnificent volley.

Messi again, bundled Argentina back in front in extra time, but Mbappe completed his treble from the spot 2 minutes from the end of a frantic, chaotic added spell.

And so it went to penalties with the two Talismans opening the scoring. But Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved from Kingsley Coman, before Aurelian Tchameni missed, leaving Gonzalo Montiel to win the World Cup.

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