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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
John Cross

Argentina vs France player ratings as Martinez a hero and Kounde having nightmares

Lionel Messi 's Argentina came out on top in one of the greatest ever World Cup finals.

The legendary No.10 scored twice in a rollercoaster of a match which France showed immense resilience to take all the way to penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw. The hero of the shootout was Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who spectacularly saved two spot kicks from Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchoumeni.

Kylian Mbappe went home a loser despite scoring a hat-trick, with two of his goals coming from the penalty spot and the other a cracking strike to complete France's first comeback in normal time. Ultimately, though, Paris Saint-Germain teammate Messi was named a world champion, just as Diego Maradona was in 1986.

Here's how Mirror Football rated the players.

Argentina

Martinez 8

What a hero. He is sensational in shoot-outs. Did it again. Fabulous saves.

Molina 7

Began the wonderful move for Argentina’s second goal. Good throughout.

Otamendi 6

Man City fans will remember his reckless moments… let France back in.

Romero 7

Strong, physical and intimidating. He was solid in Argentina’s defence.

Tagliafico 7

Another impressively tenacious performance and no wonder he kept his place.

De Paul 7

Was so effective. Tearing around the pitch, made himself a real menace.

Fernandez 8

Booked. Had a super game. Won tackles, made challenges and was everywhere.

Mac Allister 8

Assist on the second goal. Was so industrious. Had such a terrific tournament.

Di Maria 8

He was so important for Argentina. Won penalty, scored. Mistake to take him off.

Alvarez 7

Worked so hard, more than played his part with his clever link play. Good.

Messi 10

Scored twice, again in the shoot-out and led his nation to glory. Incredible.

Substitutes

Acuna 7, Montiel 7, Martinez N/A, Paredes N/A, Pezzella N/A, Dybala N/A

Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina beat France in a thrilling World Cup final (Getty Images)

Have your say! Who deserved to win MOTM? Give us your verdict in the comments section.

France

Lloris 7

Could not deny Messi as he was denied the chance of World Cup history.

Kounde 5

Whenever he wakes in the night, it will be Di Maria giving him nightmares.

Varane 6

Looked under the weather for long periods having had a virus this week.

Upamecano 7

Conceded possession on Argentina’s second goal but made heroic block in extra time.

Hernandez 5

Made a lot of people’s teams of the tournament. But not on this evidence.

Tchouameni 6

Left chasing shadows for long periods and then missed in the shoot-out.

Rabiot 5

Booked. Could not get close to Argentina. Outfought, outmanoeuvred and outwitted.

Jules Kounde endured a difficult final (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Griezmann 5

Has had a brilliant tournament, but was substituted early which says everything.

Dembele 4

Such a poor performance. Conceded a penalty, then hooked before half time.

Mbappe 9

Incredible performance. He scored a hat trick and still lost. What a sensation.

Giroud 5

Subbed before half time which says it all. A nightmare final to forget.

Substitutes

Thuram 7, Kolo Muani 7, Camavinga 7, Coman 7, Fofana N/A, Konate N/A, Diasi N/A

Referee

Szymon Marciniak 8

Man of the match: Lionel Messi

Stories do not get any better. An incredible final chapter of the fairytale.

Attendance watch: 88,966

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