Messi’s Argentina are World Champions

Argentina beat France in penalties by 4-2 to lift the World Cup trophy for the third time.

The final match ended in a 3-3 draw at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday. Back in 1986, The Albiceleste clinched their second World Cup trophy.

It was heartbreak for French striker Kylian Mbappe – who finished on the losing side despite scoring a hat-trick – only second in a World Cup final after England’s Sir Geoff Hurst (1966).

With 88,966 spectators attending the match at the iconic venue and billions across the globe watching on TV, the dramatic title clash provided a magnificent finish to Qatar 2022 hailed as the best ever edition of the World Cup – the first to be hosted in the Middle East and the Arab world.

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani crowned Argentina, who won their third world title. The Amir and FIFA President Gianni Infantino handed over gold medals to the winning players while President of France H E Emmanuel Macron and Infantino presented silver medals to France’s players.

Argentina took a 2-0 lead in the first half but later they concede two in the second half. The drama was not finished yet as both sides score two more in the extra time and the game decided into penalties.

Lionel Messi gave his side the lead in the 23rd minute from the spot kick. He took a short run-up to the spot, just hesitating in front of the ball as he looked up at Hugo Lloris. The keeper dived to his right and can only watch as the ball flew into the opposite corner.

Later, Angel Di Maria doubled the lead in the 36th minute. It was Dayot Upamecano that lost the ball this time and Argentina broke on a quick counter. 

Messi flicked it past his marker to pick out Alexis Mac Allister's run and he surged into the box before unselfishly squaring it to Di Maria. Lloris rushed out but the winger's first-time shot beat him and nestled into the far bottom corner.

However, after the 80th minute, everything got changed as Kylian Mbappe scored a brace in just two minutes to help France back in the game.

Mbappe netted the first one from a penalty but the second one was a treat to the eye.

Kingsley Coman won the ball back on the halfway line and France quickly switched it out to the left side. Mbappe nodded it to Marcus Thuram and when it came back to him he hit the volley across the goal while off balance. Emiliano Martinez got a hand to it but failed to stop it from nestling in the corner.

The South American powerhouse took the lead again as Messi found the net for the second time. Lautaro Martinez fired his shot across the goal and Lloris parried it away. Messi was hovering just in front of him and touches it in.

Later, Mbappe equalized again as he completed his hat trick for a penalty again. Gonzalo Montiel was turning his back to try and block Mbappe's shot and his arm was away from his body when the ball hit it. The referee pointed straight to the spot and the French man did not make any mistake to score his seventh goal of the tournament.

It was a brilliant fightback from Les Bleus but that was not enough to snatch the victory away from Argentina as Martinez again showed his class and made a huge save before Aurelien Tchouameni missed. Argentina scored all of theirs, with Montiel scoring the winner.

It was a night to remember for all football fans across the world, who witnessed the culmination of the best-ever World Cup, hosted by Qatar in a flawless manner.

Stunning closing ceremony

Ahead of the memorable final, a stunning closing ceremony was held featuring a raft of stars, including Dana, Davido, Aisha, Manal, Balqees, Rahma, RedOne, Ozuma, Gims and Nora.

A host of songs from the tournament’s Official Soundtrack were performed while 32 flying orbs paid tribute to each participating nation.

Despite being the most compact World Cup in modern history, Qatar staged 29 days of thrilling action and entertainment with huge success. No untoward incident was reported during the 64 matches at eight state-of-the-art stadiums which remained packed during all the games as more than 3.4 million tickets were sold for the global tournament.

Fans reveled the opportunity to attend more than one match a day during the early stages of the tournament.

Qatar welcomed more than 1.4 million fans and the country continued to draw praise from competing players of 32 teams, their coaches, officials and fans for its excellent organisation, hospitality and world class facilities throughout the tournament.

“Qatar is incredibly proud to have hosted a landmark and unforgettable edition of the FIFA World Cup. This tournament has inspired billions of people across the Middle East, Arab world and globally,” said Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), and Chairman, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC (Q22).

“Through football, we have bridged the gap between East and West and showcased the very best of our people and culture. The social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits of hosting this magnificent tournament will be felt for decades to come.”

Qatar hosted a vast number of entertainment activations across the country, including the FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park, which welcomed more than 1.8 million visitors, and the Corniche Activation. The tourist attractions all provided an opportunity for fans to celebrate their shared love of football in what proved a beautiful exchange of cultures from across the globe.

Twists and turns in FIFA World Cup 2022 final:

23 mins - Argentina 1-0 France - Messi scores a penalty

36 mins - Argentina 2-0 France - Angel di Maria doubles Argentina's lead

80 mins - Argentina 2-1 France - Mbappe responds with a penalty

81 mins - Argentina 2-2 France - Mbappe equalises with a stunning volley

108 mins - Argentina 3-2 France - Messi restores Argentina's lead in extra-time

118 mins - Argentina 3-3 France - Mbappe nets his hat-trick to set up shootout decider