World Cup

Now that we've started to catch our breath after one of the greatest World Cup finals ever, it's time to look back at the thrilling finale from Lusail ...

Now we'll see the potential ramifications of a mid-season tournament over the next few months. Mac Allister was sensational, as he has been for most of the tournament. He provided little support for Jules Kounde on the right flank and was ineffective in the final third. The fact Kolo Muani won more duels (12) and had a stronger offensive impact says it all. The 35-year-old also converted his spot kick in the shootout with his trademark precision and calmness. Even in a match where he was ineffective for the majority, Mbappe showed off his world-class genes. After 129 caps, he finally has the ultimate prize to go with his Champions League, among other major trophies. Two of Mbappe's goals were penalties, yes, but for the final 50 minutes, Argentina was mortified to even breath on the 23-year-old. But there's no doubt that Messi has now completed football by winning the World Cup. Nahuel Molina was containing Mbappe and the lack of tracking back meant France's left flank was a saloon door. Cristiano Ronaldo debate will dominate social media for days, as will the greatest of all-time discussion. From controversial penalty decisions, to dramatic comebacks and a G.O.A.T.

Kylian Mbappe scores his third goal of the game to once again draw France even in 01:00. Mbappe draws France even in extra time. A ...

[Julian Alvarez](https://www.tsn.ca/video/must-see-alvarez-plows-through-the-length-of-the-field-to-score-solo-stunner~2583618), who scored four goals to become the country's latest star forward. Scaloni has the basis of a team to build around. Messi inspired the team to recover from that setback and produced one of the all-time great tournament performances with seven goals and three assists. Nicolas Otamendi is also 34 and unlikely to be involved when Argentina come around to defending its trophy in four years. And when Saudia Arabia produced one of the biggest upsets in the competition's 92-year history by beating Argentina 2-1 in the group stage, the potential for an embarrassing early exit looked a real possibility. With Messi in the team, it's always going to be among the favorites.

After 28 days, 64 games and 172 goals at Qatar 2022, Lionel Messi walked up on the podium at Lusail Stadium to finally get his hands on the World Cup trophy ...

This was a celebration of Messi,” Al Thawadi told “Some are mad because Messi wore a bisht (it was gifted to him; a symbol of appreciation and respect in the Arab culture),” writer and columnist Reem Al-Harmi [headline](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2022/12/18/lionel-messi-made-wear-traditional-arab-bisht-lifts-world-cup/) of the story to “Lionel Messi made to wear traditional Arab bisht for World Cup trophy lift.” Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images To others, it was one last attempt for Qatar to stamp its mark on the tournament – a criticism of the “sportswashing” (where critics accused Qatar of using the occasion to paper over its human rights record) that has underpinned much of the coverage of the tournament. [Lionel Messi ](http://www.cnn.com/2022/12/19/football/lionel-messi-reaction-world-cup-final-spt-intl/index.html)walked up on the podium at Lusail Stadium to finally get his hands on the [World Cup trophy ](http://www.cnn.com/2022/12/18/football/argentina-players-react-world-cup-win-spt-intl/index.html)that had eluded him throughout his career.

The Albiceleste eventually won the game on penalties, but only after surrendering a two-goal lead and seeing France drag themselves back level twice on the ...

While arguably fitting, many fans complained that the gesture took the shine off a career-defining image for Messi and amounted to " "A minute of silence for ... Mbappe!" The celebrations were as wild as you might expect, and yet there was still room for some utterly bizarre scenes amid the usual ticker-tape-speckled mayhem. [the mood was a little more raucous](https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1604661600987889667) in Buenos Aires as Argentina fans the world over partied long into the early hours. Pride does not work with me." [only to be blankly ignored](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11551773/French-President-Emmanuel-Macron-awkwardly-consoles-Kylian-Mbappe-World-Cup-final-loss.html) by the crestfallen striker. [reportedly lost $1 million](https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/drake-loses-bet-fifa-world-cup-final-argentina.html) due to the fact that his bet didn't account for a win on penalties. [already been adorned with three stars](https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1604564105301573632) above the AFA badge. [Kylian Mbappe](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/231388/Kylian-Mbappé) to usher in the shootout after it finished 3-3. [wave of consternation swept social media](https://twitter.com/MarkOgden_/status/1604558610956451840) during the presentation of the World Cup itself as Messi was made to don a Qatari robe before hoisting the trophy aloft. [Argentina](/soccer/team?id=202) now have a third star embroidered on their famous white-and-blue-striped shirts after [Lionel Messi](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/45843/Lionel-Messi) and his teammates emerged victorious over [France](/soccer/team?id=478) in one of the most enthralling, topsy-turvy [World Cup](/soccer/league/_/name/fifa.world) finals of all time.

Former players came together in acclaiming the World Cup final in Qatar as one of the best ever after Argentina beat France on penalties following a ...

It was staggering," the former England striker said. If you've watched Lionel Messi play live you are truly blessed," the ex-England international Neville told ITV. This one is an all-time classic," he tweeted.

France are disappointed they could not successfully defend their World Cup crown after losing to Argentina on penalties in Sunday's final but leave Qatar ...

“We who live for this and who have been through the good and the bad are used to these things… “It is a moment that I will never erase in my life,” Enzo Fernandez, who won the Young Player award, said. “We pushed and we believed until the end. We were a bit reactionary all night,” the goalkeeper said. We had to face a lot of obstacles during the competition, we gave up nothing,” Varane said. “For an hour we were not in the game.