Argentina is world champion – Messi crowns career in fantastic final
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Argentina is world champion. The team defeated France on penalties in a dramatic final. For Lionel Messi, who once again excels and scores three goals, it is the culmination of an unprecedented career.
AArgentina is soccer world champion. The team around superstar Lionel Messi wins a dramatic final against France 7: 5 on penalties (3: 3, 2: 2) and celebrates the third title in its history. It’s the crowning glory for Messi, who wins the title in his last World Cup game. Messi scores in regular time, extra time and penalties.
“We suffered incredibly. Thank god we made it. It was an incredible final. I’m really at a loss for words. I thank my family for their support,” said Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The keeper defused a Kingsley Coman penalty in the shoot-out and put his team on the winning track. All Argentinians converted their attempts safely, with Aurelien Tchouameni also failing, the Argentines were able to celebrate their third World Cup title in history.
They owe this mainly to Messi, who gave Argentina the lead with a penalty in the 23rd minute, Angel di Maria increased before the break (36th). Argentina dominated the game at will in the first half. At half-time, the French, who hadn’t fired a single shot on goal in the first 45 minutes, were still well served with a two-goal deficit.
In the second half, too, the French didn’t become dangerous for a long time. Argentina defended cleverly and went for counterattacks. But ten minutes before the end, Kylian Mbappé turned up the heat. The superstar converted a penalty to make it 1:2 (80th) and equalized just one minute later with a volley. Within 95 seconds, the striker turned the game around with a double hit, which went into overtime.
Messi scored there to make it 3: 2, again it was Mbappé who countered with a penalty shortly before the end. It went to penalties. With the better ending for Argentina.