Lionel Messi wrote likely the final, perfect chapter to his story as a member of the Argentine national team after they won the third FIFA World Cup title for "La albiceleste" at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Sunday night.
The victory belonged to everyone, including Messi and Angel Di Maria, who together scored Argentina's three goals, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who blocked at least two key shots, and Gonzalo Montiel who made the decisive final penalty.
Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup Golden Boot award as the second player in history to score a hat trick in the tournament's final. He was so close to making his own history, but luck was not on France's side.
Despite the loss, the young players of "Les Bleus" proved they are capable of making the World Cup final such a close competition. If they continue to perform like this, their era will come.
Lionel Messi of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup championship trophy after defeating France over penalties in the tournament's final at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, December 18, 2022. /CFP
Lionel Messi (R) of Argentina scores a goal during extra time in the FIFA World Cup final against France at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, December 18, 2022. /CFP
Gonzalo Montiel (L) and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez of Argentina celebrate their victory against France over penalties in the FIFA World Cup final at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, December 18, 2022. /CFP
Kylian Mbappe (L) of France and Lionel Messi of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup final penalty shootout at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, December 18, 2022. /CFP
Host: Li Xiang
Guest: Josh McNally
Cover designer: Feng Yuan
Chief editor: Chen Ran
Supervisor: Zhang Shilei