Messi’s dream fulfilled, Argentina became champion by defeating France in shootout
Lionel Messi’s unfinished dream has finally come true. Argentina beat France in the penalty shootout on the basis of the great performance of this superstar who managed to break the last spell of his career. Became world champion after 36 years after defeating 2. Two goals from Messi and a third in the shootout helped Argentina beat France despite a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe became the first player in 56 years to score a hat-trick in the World Cup but could not retain the title.
At the same time, this title put a stamp of greatness on the achievements of Messi, playing his last World Cup. After Diego Maradona (1986), he has registered his name in the list of greatest players like Pele and Maradona by getting his team the World Cup. Praise should also be given to Mbappé who will surely register many achievements in his name in future. His three goals brought life to this seemingly one-sided final. He became the first player since 1966 to score a hat-trick in the final but today was Messi’s name.
After the match, Messi said into the microphone on the field, “Let’s go. Argentina.” The tables turned every second in a thrilling match that held the breath of a huge crowd on the pitch and football fans glued to their televisions around the world. Argentina took the lead in the 80th minute thanks to goals from Messi (23rd minute) and Angel Di Mario (36th minute). 0 lead but Mbappe scored two goals in the 80th and 81st minutes to force the match into extra time.
Messi scored in the 108th minute of extra time, then Mbappe equalized ten minutes later to take the match to a penalty shootout. In the shootout, substitute Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive penalty, while France’s Kingsley Koeman and Orléan Chouameny missed the target. With this victory of Argentina, the process of European monarchy from the last four World Cups also came to an end. The last time Brazil won the World Cup was in 2002 in Japan and South Korea. Argentina had previously won the title in 1978 and 1986. Argentina, who won the Copa America last year, has won its second major title in a row.
