Doha, 18 Dec (Xinhua) -- The "Pampas Eagle" is full of honor and spreads its wings! Argentina experienced a tumultuous battle in the Qatar World Cup final on the 18th, and finally defeated France 4:2 (90 minutes 2:2, 120 minutes 3:3) in a penalty shootout, lifting the Hercules Cup for the third time in team history.
On December 18, Argentina players celebrated at the award ceremony. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Cao Can
Argentina won the World Cup again after 1978 and 1986, achieving "three-star" glory, second only to "five-star" Brazil, "four-star" Germany and Italy.
Messi set two World Cup records with two unique goals, not only becoming the first player to score in every stage from the World Cup group stage to the final, but also becoming the most World Cup player with 26 appearances. Messi scored seven goals and provided three assists in this tournament and won the World Cup Ballon d'Or.
France's leader Kylian Mbappe also had a bright show in this game, he took three goals in this match, becoming the top scorer of this World Cup with eight goals, but the defeat in the final left him without a smile. France also failed to become the first team to defend their World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.
France's Kylian Mbappe scored on goal on December 18. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Ming
This match is undoubtedly the most exciting and exciting match in the history of the World Cup final. Argentina took a 2-0 lead and were dragged into extra time by France scoring two goals in the 80th and 81st minutes. Messi scored in the second half of extra-time to give Argentina another lead, but Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick to make it 3-3. France missed penalties in the second and third rounds, and Argentina won the penalty shootout 4-2.
The final of the day was played at the Lusail Stadium, and Argentina took the initiative after the opening and completely suppressed the French team. In the 21st minute, Di Maria broke through into the box on the left and caused a foul, and the referee awarded a penalty, and Messi hit the penalty. Argentina played a brilliant defensive counter-attack in the 36th minute when McAllister crossed over to an unguarded Di Maria in the box, who easily pushed to make it 2-0.
Argentina's Lionel Messi (right) scores in extra time on December 18. Photo by Xu Zijian, a reporter from Xinhua News Agency
France had a poor first-half performance with zero shots on goal, with coach Deschamps making two changes in the 41st minute, with substitutes Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram crediting the equaliser. Muani won a penalty for France in the 80th minute and Mbappe swooped in. Just a minute later, Thuram crossed from the edge of the box and Kylian Mbappe volleyed in the air to score another goal.
Argentina led again in extra time, and in the 108th minute, Lautaro's shot from the right side of the box was saved by the goalkeeper and Messi added a goal. In the 116th minute, Mbappe shot from distance, Argentina's Montiel blocked a handball foul, France won another penalty, Mbappe hit.
On December 18, Argentina players celebrate their victory after a match. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Cao Can
The World Cup final entered its third penalty shootout in history, and with Montiel hitting the penalty in the fourth round, the champions belonged to Argentina.
Source: Xinhuanet