Argentina and Lionel Messi crowned World Cup winners

Argentina have won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a dramatic final against France ended in a penalty shootout with Lionel Messi proving to be an influential figure once again for his natio.

Angel Di Maria won a penalty after Ousmane Dembele fouled the winger in the penalty box, which Messi comfortably converted past Hugo Lloris. Di Maria then added a second after slotting the ball home from close range following a brilliant passing move from Argentina which cut Les Bleus apart.

Kylian Mbappe restored hope for France with two quick-fire goals late in the match, taking the game to extra-time before Messi popped up with a third goal for Argentina in the 109th minute after a lengthy VAR check deemed that the goal was able to stand. Mbappe sealed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 118th minute.

Argentina's Lionel Messi lisses the trophy after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. Argentina won 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended tied 3-3. Messi scored two goals and then another in a shootout as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw today to claim a third World Cup title despite Kylian Mbappé scoring the first hat trick in a final in 56 years.

Argentina squad included:

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez.

Defenders: Acuña, Nicolas Otamendi, Romero, Molina.

Midfielders: McAllister, Rodrigo de Paul, Enzo Fernandez.

Offensive line: Messi, Julian Alvarez, Di MMidfiel

France lineup with the following:

Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris.

Defenders: Varane, Theo Hernandez, Upamecano, Jules Conde.

Midfielders: Adrien Rabiot, Choameni, Antoine Griezmann.

Forwards: Mbappe, Jiro, Ousmane Dembele.