Argentina just beat France in what might’ve been the best World Cup final ever — a nail-biter that came down to the wire … and in the end, a good old-fashioned shootout.
The game had everyone at the edge of their seat through the full 90 minutes of regulation — not to mention the extra 30 minutes that was played after things were left tied at 2-2. Lionel Messi scored Argentina’s third goal in extra time, and then Kylian Mbappe responded by tying it up yet again … sending the match into penalty kicks, where ARG eked it out.
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After three straight goals from Argentina — and two misses from France — Gonzalo Montiel had a chance to clinch it, which he promptly did by putting the ball in the back of the net. France’s goalie, Hugo Lloris, didn’t stand a chance … diving in the other way.
The two stars of each respective team, Messi and Mbappe, scored their penalties … and the rest of the Argentina squad did their job too. But, two French players screwed the pooch.
Mbappé after Argentina hit the game-winning penalty pic.twitter.com/At23Ca8DSP
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
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It’s truly a shame, because Mbappe was literally the only guy on his team to keep them in the fight … scoring all 3 of France’s goals, earning a hat trick and giving his squad the morale to play on. In the end, all that work was squandered away in a virtual crapshoot.
Still, it was an explosive game up until the very end — with tons of back-and-forth up and down the pitch … and a lot of great soccer put on display for the entire world.
Messi celebrates with his kids ❤️🥹 pic.twitter.com/v1HNg18oor
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
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Sports fans couldn’t have asked for anything better, really. This was one for the books, no doubt.
This also serves as a beautiful bow-out for Messi — who’s said to be retiring after this. He’s sure to be awarded Player of the Tournament and every other honor available for individual achievement. The guy’s a legend, and he went out on top in the World Cup.
Storybook type stuff here. Congrats!!!