A one-sided World Cup final gave way to arguably the most captivating heavyweight bout of all time—one decided by the greatest player of all time, the one that’s charging hard for his throne and, ultimately, penalty kicks from 12 yards out.
Argentina outlasted France in penalty kicks (4–2) after a 3–3 draw to win its third World Cup and give Lionel Messi the one trophy he and his country had craved so dearly since Diego Maradona last led La Albiceleste to the promised land in 1986.
Kylian Mbappé’s heroic hat trick hat threatened to deny Messi and Argentina their destiny. Argentina, which led 2–0 after 36 minutes, had the titled wrapped up until the 79th minute, when Nicolás Otamendi’s gift of a penalty allowed Mbappé to score from the spot. The French sensation followed two minutes later with a finish of greater class and importance to force extra time, where things got even wilder.
