Messi is now a world up winner. The Argentine football legend won the first World Cup trophy of his illustrious career after Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties in a final that has been dubbed the greatest in the history of the FIFA World Cup
Argentina took the lead in the 23rd minute through a penalty after Ousmane Dembélé’s clumsy foul had brought Di María down inside the penalty area. Messi then stepped up to convert the spot kick, becoming the only man to score in the group stage, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final of a single World Cup, according to Opta. Argentina doubled their lead in the 36th minute with a well worked goal that was finished by Angel Di Maria.
Just when it seemed Argentina would cruise to victory in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final, the genius of Kylian Mbappe came to the fore. Mbappe scored the first goal for France via a penalty in the 80th minute and soon struck a second by getting one past the Argentina keeper to stun Messi and thousands of Argentina fans at the Lusail Stadium.
Argentina regained the lead in extra time with a Messi goal in the 98th minute that surely promised to be the winner. But still France, and more specifically Mbappé, were not done. The Paris Saint-Germain forward stepped up after Montiel had blocked his shot with his arm and buried his second spot kick, becoming the first footballer in 56 years to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. The match was eventually decided on penalties, with Argentina winning 4-2.
Fans who had just witnessed the roller coaster of a match rushed to social media to share their emotions, with many dubbing it “the best final” in FIFA World Cup history.
Pelé, who won a record three World Cups as a player, congratulated Argentina and Messi for winning the world cup in Qatar and Kylian Mbappé for his goal-scoring exploits at the mundial in Qatar.
“Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way,” Pelé wrote on Instagram. “Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved. My dear friend, Mbappé, scoring four goals in a final. What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport.”
Pelé, who has been in the hospital to treat a respiratory infection also took time to mention Morocco for its history-making run as the first African team to reach the semifinals at the tournament.
“And I couldn’t fail to congratulate Morocco for the incredible campaign,” Pelé wrote. “It’s great to see Africa shine.”
”I’ve never watched soccer before but this shit Lit,” wrote Kid CuDi.
Former American president Barack Obama also congratulated Argentina and Messi “for an amazing world cup victory.”
