Sunday’s World Cup final turned from a one-sided affair into a nerve-racking vintage showdown and it was somehow fitting that footballing diva Argentina prevailed over France amid the drama.
Tears flowed at Lusail stadium when Gonzalo Montiel buried the winning penalty for a 4-2 shootout victory after Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick had dragged France back into the contest twice following Angel Di Maria’s opener and Lionel Messi’s double.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Final – Argentina v France – Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar – December 18, 2022 Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Carl RecineArgentina players celebrate winning the World Cup as teammate Gonzalo Montiel scores during the penalty shootout. REUTERS/Molly DarlingtonFrance’s Kylian Mbappe looks dejected after the match. REUTERS/Carl Recine
Argentina’s Angel Di Maria celebrates scoring their second goal with Lionel Messi and teammates. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Argentina’s Lionel Messi scores a penalty during the penalty shootout past France’s Hugo Lloris. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel scores a penalty during the penalty shootout. REUTERS/Paul ChildsArgentina’s Gonzalo Montiel scores a penalty during the penalty shootout to win the World Cup. REUTERS/Carl RecineArgentina players during the penalty shootout. REUTERS/Dylan MartinezArgentina’s Lionel Messi reacts. REUTERS/Dylan MartinezArgentina’s Angel Di Maria celebrates scoring their second goal. REUTERS/Dylan MartinezFrance’s Kylian Mbappe scores their first goal from the penalty spot past Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez. REUTERS/Dylan MartinezArgentina’s Lionel Messi scores their first goal from the penalty spot. REUTERS/Dylan MartinezArgentina’s Angel Di Maria celebrates scoring their second goal with Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez. REUTERS/Paul ChildsArgentina’s Angel Di Maria celebrates scoring their second goal. REUTERS/Dylan MartinezArgentina’s Angel Di Maria scores their second goal. REUTERS/Carl RecineArgentina’s Lionel Messi scores their first goal from the penalty spot. REUTERS/Molly DarlingtonFIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Final – Argentina v France – Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar – December 18, 2022 Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates winning the World Cup with the trophy REUTERS/Hannah MckayFIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Final – Argentina v France – Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar – December 18, 2022 Argentina’s Angel Di Maria celebrates winning the World Cup with the trophy REUTERS/Hannah MckayFIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Final – Argentina v France – Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar – December 18, 2022 Argentina’s Lionel Messi kisses the trophy as he celebrates winning the World Cup REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
