A World Cup final for the ages delivered a crowning glory for soccer icon Lionel Messi on Sunday as Argentina beat reigning men's champion France on penalty kicks.
One of the most dramatic major sporting events in history had the teams tied 3-3 after extra time, with the French ultimately missing twice in the shootout before Gonzalo Montiel converted to seal an exhausting and emotional victory.
Argentina had dominated the bulk of the match, leading 2-0 with just about 10 minutes to go, but France burst into life with star forward Kylian Mbappé scoring twice in as many minutes. Both sides traded missed chances and then late goals again in the 30 minutes of extra time before the tension of penalty kicks.
The game capped a month of sporting drama and geopolitical controversy in Qatar. The tournament featured surprise results and fairy-tale runs, but the final had two giants of the game compete for the title — headlined by a pair of stars.
The speedy and skillful Mbappé solidified his claim as the young pretender to Messi’s throne, scoring a hat trick as France came so close to being the first team to go back to back since Brazil in 1962.
But ultimately, it was Messi, 35, who took the glory, securing the trophy that cements his status as perhaps the game's greatest ever player by sealing a third title for his soccer-mad country.
Afterward, he said he isn’t through.
“I’m not retiring from the national team. I want to continue playing as a champion,” Messi said in a Spanish-language interview with TyC Sports after the final. “It’s the most beautiful thing there is.”
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What to know about the World Cup final
- Argentina wins on penalty kicks after a dramatic final ended 3-3 in extra time.
- France scored twice in 90 seconds late in the game to stun Argentina and tie the final.
- Argentina led 2-0 at the half thanks to goals from Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi.
- Sunday's final took place in Lusail, a city fast-tracked into existence for the World Cup, which has been clouded by criticism of host Qatar's human rights record, as well as the environmental and financial cost of the tournament.
Photo: Lionel Messi holds the trophy
Golden Ball awarded to Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball, recognizing him as the tournament's most outstanding player.
Moments after being given the honor, Messi kissed the World Cup.
The resume is complete: Messi has his World Cup trophy
Teammates mobbed the great Lionel Messi moments after the winning kick, knowing he can no longer be dogged by the one trophy not on his mantle.
Despite being a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and a member of 10 Spanish League championship teams and four UEFA Champions League-winning sides, fans back home in Argentina had long held that missing World Cup trophy against him.
Argentina won last year's Copa America, but fans weren't satisfied until Sunday, when Messi's side won the sport's ultimate prize.
ARGENTINA WINS THE WORLD CUP
Gonzalo Montiel converts his penalty, and a dramatic final is won by Lionel Messi and his team!
FRANCE SCORES
Randal Kolo Muani ensures this isn't over just yet.
ARGENTINA SCORES
Leandro Paredes makes it 3-1. One away ...
FRANCE MISSES
Aurelien Tchouameni hits it wide, and France has missed 2 out of 3!
Photos: Fans watch as World Cup heads to penalty shootout
ARGENTINA SCORES
It's advantage Argentina! Paulo Dybala scores.