Argentina emerges World Cup winner in an entertaining final

Emmanuel Alfred

Argentina won the FIFA 2022 World Cup on penalties to bring an end to a three-week tournament.

In what is described as the greatest final in the tournament’s history, Argentina emerged 4-2 winners in the shootout after an incredibly brilliant encounter between France and Argentina.

Kylian Mbappé grabbed a hat-trick to become the first player to do so in a Fifa World Cup final since 1966 which was held by after Geoff Hurst.

In a game of twist and turns, Argentina were 2 goal up in the first half courtesy of a penalty by Messi and Angel Di Maria before Mbappé scored a brace in 95 seconds in the second half to take the game to extra time.

Lionel Messi’s goal made him the first player in World Cup history to score in the group stage, last 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final of a single tournament.

He then thought he had won it in extra time when he scored his second from the rebound but there was yet another twist as a penalty was awarded for a handball in the box which the 23 year old Frenchman dispatched.

In the penalty shootouts, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez continued his immaculate form at the World Cup by saving Kingsley Coman’s kick. Aurelian Tchouameni missed, leaving Gonzalo Montiel to win the World Cup.

Messi finally became a World Cup winner as he was surrounded by his jubilant Argentina team-mates.

Kylian Mbappé won the golden boot with 8 goals in 7 games with Lionel Messi emerging as the player of the tournament. Argentine goalie, Emiliano Martinez won the golden glove and another Argentine, Enzo Fernandez got home with Young Player of the tournament