Fairytale ending for Messi – Argentina beat France in penalty shootout

Sport
Messi celebrating

Argentina have won the World Cup after a thrilling final which saw them take the lead and then lose it again twice before winning a penalty shootout.

The South American side took the lead half-way through the first half, after a foul in the box by France winger Ousmane Dembele led to Messi scoring his sixth goal of the tournament from the penalty spot.

Later, a thrilling counter-attack down the right flank through Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister to feed Angel Di Maria, who scored Argentina's second.

France pulled back a goal after a foul on Kolo Muani led to another penalty, which was slotted home by Kylian Mbappe.

Just 90 seconds later, it was Mbappe again, putting France level with a stunning volley.

The score was 2-2 after full-time forcing an extra 30 minutes of play to decide the result.

In extra-time, Messi scored again, knocking in on the rebound, despite Kounde's efforts to clear off the line.

Mbappe then drew France level again with a penalty - becoming only second player after Sir Geoff Hurst to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.

On to penalties and it was Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez's moment of glory, saving a shot from Kingsley Coman and watching Aurelien Tchouameni fire wide.

 

Related Topics