After a FIFA World Cup 2022 final that will be remembered for years to come, finally it was Argentina who were crowned the world champions at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Sunday (December 18). While the Albiceleste should have ideally won it within the 90 minutes after dominating the proceedings for the first 80 odd minutes of the match and leading the decider 2-0, Kylian Mbappe's magic helped France equalise.
Later, Lionel Messi scored his second goal of the match in extra time after he had converted a penalty early on to put Argentina 1-0 ahead but once again it was Mbappe who extended Messi's wait for a World Cup title with another goal and a hat-trick in the finals. After the entire 90 minutes of play into extra time when the two teams were tied at 3-3, the match was forced into a penalty shootout.
However, it was Argentina that eventually emerged as the champions beating their opponents 4-2 in the shootout. While each of Argentina's penalty taker converted his goal, Emi Martinez denied France's Coman a goal before Tchouameni also went off target.
Thank you to all who support me and also to all who believed in us: Leo Messi
Post the win, Argentina captain Messi has shared a post on social media thanking his family and his fans for all the support.
"CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!!!!! So many times I dreamed it, so much I wanted it that I still don't fall, I can't believe it...... Thank you so much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us," he wrote.
"We prove once again that Argentinians when we fight together and united we are able to achieve what we aim. The merit is of this group, which is above individuals, is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the one of all Argentinians... We did it!!! LET'S GO ARGENTINA DAMN!!!!! We're seeing each other very soon," the 35-year-old added.