The title of  2022 World Cup Champions goes to Argentina, winning the World Cup for the first time since 1986. This win was especially important to me as an Argentinian-American.  The game was riveting as it went into overtime and eventually finished with penalty kicks to settle the score. Argentina was led by Lionel Messi, who is widely considered one of the World’s greatest soccer players. France on the other hand was managered by Zinedine Zidane, who also captained during their win in the 2018 World cup. This game was especially exciting as Angel Di Maria, a midfielder for the Argentinian team announced that this would be his last world cup as he would be retiring from international soccer. Additionally, many eyes were on Kylian Mbappe, a forward for the French team. At the mere age of 23, this would be his second world cup where he made it to the finals, though he actually won in 2018.

Recap

About twenty-one minutes into the game, Di Maria earned Argentina a Penalty kick after being Fouled by Ousmane Dembélé. Messi took the shot and managed to bring Argentina up 1-0. This moment was especially significant as it makes Messi the first-ever player to score in all four knockout rounds of the World Cup.

Argentina managed to double their score roughly 15 minutes later when Alexis Mac Allister, a midfielder, made an assist for Di Maria resulting in another goal.

Argentina held their 2-0 lead past halftime until 80 minutes in when Randal Kolo Muani on the France team drew a penalty. Mbappe raised to score 2-1 with his penalty kick, giving the French a sliver of hope.

With only 9 minutes left on the clock, Mbappe managed to tie the scores after scoring again after Messi lost possession of the ball.

With the tied score the game went into overtime. Messi makes an astounding rebound and finally brings Argentina back up to 3-2. The shot was nearly saved by a French defender in the net, however, the ball had already passed the line and thus earned Argentina a point.

At 116′ the Ball hits the Arm of Gonzalo Montiel, giving France a penalty kick for the handball. Mbappe takes the shot and once again evens the score to 3-3. With three goals in one game, Mbappe completes a hat trick. The clock runs out at 125, moving on to penalty kicks to finally crown a winner.

Mbappe and Messi both score for their teams on the first penalty kick. Messi’s last world cup shot easily rolls into the back of the net. Mbappe’s shot, on the other hand, is nearly caught by Emiliano Martinez. France misses its next two shots, one being saved by Martinez and the other missing the goal entirely. Argentina scored twice more however France is able to make its next penalty kick. The title rests on the shoulders as Gonzalo Montiel sets up to take his shot and makes it, securing Argentina as the 2022 world cup champions.