Has Lionel Messi has scored the goal to win Argentina their third World Cup?
It had to be him: the little genius was on hand to start the move and finish it, knocking the ball in off a rebond. VAR had to confirm he was onside – and that it had crossed the line.
It was also the goal that put him ahead of Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
Look at what it means 🥹It's too much for Messi, too much for the fans. Tears everywhere. #BBCWorldCup #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/bFe9kLdQZaDecember 18, 2022
Argentina were much the better team for almost 80 minutes of the match, starting on top, dominating the ball and getting the breakthrough on 23 minutes after a controversial penalty was awarded for a foul on Angel Di Maria. Naturally, Lionel Messi – who all the talk was about before the game – stepped up to slot home from 12 yards.
Di Maria was at the heart of everything for the second goal, too, capping off a beautiful team move. The Juventus star, returning to the line-up after struggling with injury throughout the tournament, converted to put the Albiceleste into what looked like an unassailable lead. Didier Deschamps reacted bravely, making a double substitution before half-time, as he took off Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele for Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram.
The game looked to be over, with France looking particularly lacklustre until Kylian Mbappe stepped up to change proceedings. Nicolas Otamendi gave a penalty away, bringing down Kolo Muani, giving the PSG forward the opportunity to convert and join an elite club of players to score in multiple finals. Less than 90 seconds later, it was Mbappe at the double – swinging towards the ball in a scissoring motion to put Les Bleus level.
A win for Argentina sees them win their third World Cup trophy.
