Lionel Messi has finally won the trophy that has alluded him for his entire football career, the World Cup. After a completely ludicrous 120 minutes of football, Argentina beat France 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Ironically the first huge moment of the game was from the penalty spot with Messi converting from 12 yards after Angel Di Maria was felled by Ousmane Dembele. Di Maria then doubled his nation's lead in the 36th minute converting Alexis Mac Allister's pass.
Kylian Mbappe then stole the limelight with two goals in two minutes to drag France level and force extra time. Messi snatched the spot light back with a 108th minute goal but the contest was not decided yet with Mbappe scoring a penalty with two minutes to go in extra time.
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Emiliano Martinez was the hero once again on penalties, saving Kingsley Coman's spot kick before winning the mental battle with Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Gonzalo Montiel then converted Argentina's spot-kick after Messi, Paulo Dybala and Leandro Parades had all scored, to crown his country as the 2022 World Cup winners.
Despite Messi's nation winning, the world of football is surely in good hands with Mbappe only 23 and surely set for a similar esteemed career as Messi. A Jules Rimet Trophy triumph for Messi though has seen him get one over on long-time foe Cristiano Ronaldo.
A number of footballers have since taken to social media to offer their thoughts on the Messi and Ronaldo debate with Declan Rice labelling Messi as the 'best ever'.
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