Argentina defeated France on penalties to claim the World Cup title, giving Lionel Messi his long-awaited victory.
Argentina and Messi didn't exactly have it easy, either. The game went into overtime after Kylian Mbappé tied the score in the 81st minute after his team had led 2-0 for the majority of the game.
Messi scored in the 108th minute on a disorganized goal that appeared to give Argentina the victory. But in the 116th minute, La Albiceleste was penalized for a handball in the penalty area, allowing Mbappé to score on a penalty kick and forcing a shootout.
Aurélien Tchouaméni's effort missed the mark after Emiliano Martnez, the goaltender for Argentina, made a crucial save. Argentina successfully defended all of its shots, winning the World Cup on penalties 4-2 in the process.
The "World Cup Now" team discussed every event from the match on Sunday, which saw two of the best players ever go head-to-head in what was probably the greatest soccer encounter ever. Indeed Lionel Messi could break records if he return to Barcelona, Sportsadonai reported.
DeMarcus Beasey: I don't like to compare the eras of Maradona, Pelé, and now Messi since they are all so different from one another, but when I see him play and have had the opportunity to play against him a few times, he accomplishes things that nobody else on earth can. Goals can be scored by a multitude of people. Many people are skilled at tricks, flips, and other maneuvers. Hat tricks can be scored by a lot of people. No one else, however, is capable of doing what this man does on a football field. He is the GOAT in my eyes for this reason.
Messi has nothing left to prove, according to Maurice Edu. I declared that I believed he was the GOAT before the game. This only strengthened [his case]. This was perhaps the one thing that people who didn't think he was the GOAT held against him. Where is that debate currently? Now, what can you say? I believe his victory relieves him of that burden. At this point, I'm not sure what else you want from him. What more specifically do you want him to do? A second Ballon d'Or? This, truth be told, could possibly be the case. Why not acquire a ninth? He pondered.
This was the best soccer game ever, Jimmy Conrad said. Finals are rarely as exciting as they are anticipated, and when these two sides faced off in 2018, France prevailed 4-3. There's no way in hell they'll host another game like that, I reasoned. But they created yet another magic game.
If this sport isn't your favorite, I seriously have to wonder what you're doing with your life. It is truly fantastic. Make this your all-time favorite sport.
