Lionel Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory during a 4-2 win in the penalties over France as reported by New York Times. The 35-year-old lifted the trophy in what could be his last World Cup appearance for his national team.
First-half
Argentina started on the front-foot and nearly scored when Angel di Maria served Julián Álvarez with a cross but the Manchester based forward was caught offside.
On the fifth minute, Alexis Mac Allister came to the party when he strucked a shot from outside the box straight into the path of Hugo Lloris.
Di Maria started the game with momentum and once again served Rodrigo De Paul with a quality cross but the latter’s shot ricochet off Raphaël Verane to award Argentina with a corner kick.
De Paul and Messi had an interchange of passes before serving di Maria with a through ball but the former Real Madrid star strucked a shot well off target.
On the 21st minute, di Maria jinxed away from Dembele and was tripped inside the penalty area. The reference awarded a penalty and Messi converted the spot kick.
On the 36th minute, Messi and Mac Allister had interchange of passes. The latter served di Maria with a pass and the no.11 strcuked home to make it 2-0, thanks to an assist by Mac Allister.
France tried to find rhythm but where completely outplayed by the South Americans. First-half scoreline finished at 2-0 to Argentina.
Second-half
Argentina started second-half where they left off. Di Maria paved De Paul with a volley but the latter strucked straight into the path of the goalkeeper.
On the 59th minute, Àlverez came close to scoring when he attempted a shot from a tight angle only for Hugo Lloris to save his nation.
France started to find their feet after an hour mark but the 2018 World Cup champions barely created chances.
This was followed by an effort from Enzo Fernandez who strucked a shot straight into the path of the Tottenham Spurs goalkeeper.
On the 71st minute France came close to scoring for the first time when Kylian Mbappe strucked a shot over the bar.
On the 78th minute Nicolas Otamendi made a horrendous mistake when he fouled Mbappe inside the eighteen area. Mbappe converted the spot kick to make it 2-1.
Three minutes later, Mbappe rose to the occasion when he eased passed Emiliano Martinez to hand France an equalizer.
Extra-time and penalties
Both sides played a thrilling game in extra-time. Lionel Messi scored to give Argentina a 3-2 lead. This was latter cancelled by Mbappe’s penalty just three minutes before full-time. The match finished at 3-3.
The match went on penalties. Argentina won 4-2 on penalties with Messi converting his spot kick to clench the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Lionel Messi
The Argentine magician secured five man of the match awards in the World Cup. He also scored a record of seven goals to become the second top goal scorer with just one goal shy from Mbappe.
Messi is awarded the Golden Ball Winner for being the best player of the tournament. The little magician will cherish this moment for the rest of his days.
