In what will long be remembered as one of the World Cup’s most iconic nights, Argentina lifted the Jules Rimet trophy for a third time as they edged past France in a remarkable penalty shootout.
While the South American heavyweights might have been in cruise control as Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria placed them to a 2-0 lead at half-time, we were then treated to one of football’s most famous battles at the Lusail Stadium.
Although Les Bleus might have drastically failed to find any kind of clinical edge heading into the final 10 minutes, it was their record-breaking talisman who almost completed what would have been the World Cup’s greatest comeback.
With Kylian Mbappe bagging a pair of late strikes that were separated by just one minute and 35 seconds, it appeared that Lionel Scaloni’s had lost all of their momentum and were set for more heartbreak on the grandest of stages.
However, while Argentina’s seven-time Ballon d’Or winner might have thought that he had dragged La Albiceleste over the finish line after bundling home from close range in the final minutes of extra-time, it was his PSG teammate who once again flipped the script.
Watching Mbappe convert from the spot in the final few seconds and bagging the first World Cup final hat-trick since 1966, it almost appeared destined that we would be heading to a nail-biting shootout.
Although the European giants might have mounted a pair of iconic comebacks, they eventually fell at the final hurdle as both Aurelien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman missed from 12 yards out.
Now the dust has finally started to settle following Sunday’s remarkable clash, we have taken a look at the main talking points as Argentina were crowned world champions.
Opening their World Cup adventure on November 22nd with an infamous 2-1 loss at the hands of Saudi Arabia, Argentina always appeared to be facing an uphill struggle.
However, suffering just a single defeat from any of their previous 42 appearances across all formats – a run that stems back to July 2019 – the South American giants have only continued on a famous flurry under Scaloni.
While it might have been bitter rivals Brazil who opened this winter’s Qatar quest tipped as a standout pick with many, Argentina have rightfully gained a string of plaudits in the Middle East.
Showing a similar level of resolve that saw them edge their way past Holland earlier in the month, La Albiceleste have certainly written another chapter in the World Cup history books.
Ending their 36 years of waiting with another remarkable display at the Lusail Stadium, Argentina and their young stars will now have their sights set on creating a real dynasty after winning the Copa America 17 months ago.
