Netizens have reacted to Argentina’s stunning World Cup victory, over defending champions France 4-2 on penalties after an enthralling 3-3 draw over 120 minutes.
In a game that will go down in history as one of the greats, France twice came from behind to send the game to penalties.
Although Messi will take the headlines, Kylian Mbappe was the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final after Sir Geoff Hurst for England in 1966.
Argentina dominated for the opening 80 minutes and looked to be cruising to their first World Cup title since 1986. Messi fired his side ahead from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute after Ousmane Dembele was judged to have tripped Angel Di Maria – although it looked to be a soft decision.
Juventus winger Di Maria added Argentina’s second after a fine sweeping move – spearheaded by Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister – as France looked to be suffering from the effects of illness in camp during the week.
But Les Bleus came roaring back into the tie when they were handed a lifeline in the 79th minute as the impressive Randal Kolo Muani was tripped by Nicolas Otamendi. Mbappe scored from the spot for his first of the evening, before adding a stunning second just 90 seconds later to take the game to extra-time.
Messi thought he had won it for his side as his rebounded strike was given by goal-line technology in the 108th minute. But, with mere minutes to play, France were awarded another penalty after Gonzalo Montiel was penalized for handball.
Mbappe stepped up for a second time and once again beat Emiliano Martinez, hauling France back into the tie for a second time and sending the game to penalties.
The 23-year-old took the first kick of the shootout – netting his third of the evening – before Messi replied.
But Kinsgley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni both missed their spot kicks for France as Argentina netted each of their remaining three, with Montiel firing home the winning penalty to win the 2022 World Cup.
The 2022 World Cup final has generated reactions from football lovers with many hailing the performance of the two PSG players, Mbappe and Messi who played for their respective countries.
Football legend, Roy Keane said France comeback from 2 goals down showed why they are champions.
Speaking on ITV, Roy Keane said: “I look at it the other way. France couldn’t get going and we should give Argentina credit for that.
“They’ve lost one game in the last 40-odd. So they were imposing their style and their physicality on them and they couldn’t get going.
“They eventually got going, that’s the sign of a really good time. They showed why they’re champions today.
“I wouldn’t be too critical of France, it took them a while to get going but in football you can only have one winner.
“France take your medicine, both teams were outstanding.”
Popular football journalist, Fabrizio Romano described the Man of the Match, Kylian Mbappe, as “special” for his unforgettable performance during the World Cup final match.
He wrote: “Impossible to forget this performance by Kylian Mbappé ⭐️🇫🇷 #Mbappé
“Hat trick in a World Cup final.. Also, one more penalty scored. 12 World Cup goals in two editions. …fair to remember he’s still 23! Special.”
@favoured_henry said: “Congratulations Argentina…. Finally Lionel Messi wins the Greatest Prize in World football.”
Another tweep, @suhasjoshi01 wrote: “Messi cleared carrier’s mess by winning first world cup in his last match. What a way to retire!”
@Onlinedetective said even though he hate football, that was a good sport.
“I hate soccer… BUT… that was some pretty good sport for a World Cup final.”
In the same vein, @serhjoe tweeted: “The best won this time. European team suck anyway. They win games but the soccer is not brilliant and enthusiastic as other world wide teams. Very happy Argentina won even I am @fromBrazil”
@CMTrades2204 reacted to Mbappe’s scintillating performance.
“Carried his team so much. They let him down”
@RGIII tweeted: “Thank you Messi and Mbappé for the Greatest World Cup Final EVER!”