Relive Argentinas Remarkable Triumph

Argentina Win Third World Cup Title

Relive Argentina's Remarkable Triumph

Argentina 3-3 France - Argentina Win 4-2 on Penalties

WEB Argentina has claimed its third World Cup title with its victory in the penalty shootout against France capping an extraordinary final that saw it take an early lead, concede a late equalizer, and ultimately prevail in the shootout. Lionel Messi scored twice in the match, including the winning penalty, to lead his team to its first World Cup title since 1986.

The match was played in front of a packed crowd at Lusail Stadium in Qatar and was a back-and-forth affair throughout. Argentina took an early lead through Messi's penalty in the 23rd minute, but France equalized through Kylian Mbappé's goal in the 80th minute. Mbappé scored again just two minutes later to give France the lead, but Messi equalized again in the 108th minute to send the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved two of France's penalties, while Messi, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, and Gonzalo Montiel all scored for Argentina. France's Kingsley Coman and Aurélien Tchouaméni both missed their penalties, giving Argentina the victory.

The victory is a fitting end to a remarkable World Cup campaign for Argentina. The team entered the tournament as one of the favorites, but they struggled in the group stage, losing to Saudi Arabia in their opening match. However, they rallied in the knockout rounds, defeating Australia, the Netherlands, and Croatia to reach the final. In the final, they faced a formidable opponent in France, but they ultimately prevailed to win their third World Cup title. Lionel Messi won the Golden Boot award as well as the Golden Ball for the best player in the tournament.

Argentina's victory is a storybook ending for Messi, who has long been considered one of the greatest players of all time. The World Cup title is the only major trophy that had eluded him, and he finally achieved it at the age of 35. Messi's performance in the final was a fitting end to his World Cup career, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.