A triumphant return for France, the incumbent champion, or a crowning achievement for Argentina’s icon?
Qatar is now playing host to the men’s World Cup final, which brings to a close a month filled with high-stakes competitions and international tensions. The competition has had some unexpected outcomes and even fairy-tale-like streaks, but the championship match will have two titans of the game going head-to-head, with the spotlight being on a pair of small stars.
Lionel Messi is vying for the trophy that would solidify his position as perhaps the best player in the history of the game if he were to win it. The 35-year-old player will hang up his cleats on the international stage with the support of a soccer-crazed nation that has sent hordes of supporters to the region.
If the nimble and talented striker can help France become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Brazil in 1962, then Kylian Mbappé’s status as the young challenger to Messi’s throne might be cemented. This would make Mbappé the first player to do so since Brazil in 1962.
Both nations have their sights set on winning a third crown on either Fox, Telemundo, or Peacock.
In a nail-biting World Cup final, Argentina was victorious against France.
Argentine victory against France, the reigning champion, in a nail-biting match gives the South American nation its first championship since 1978. France was the defending champion.
The championship match on Sunday was a battle of wills as the contenders went shot for shot with each other far into extra time. It wasn’t until penalty kicks that Argentina dashed France’s hopes for a straight victory.
After a slow start, Argentina jumped out to an early lead by scoring two goals in the first half of the match. Despite being completely outclassed and playing the whole match from a defensive position, France staged a comeback in the second half and in extra time.
Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, won his first World Cup trophy in what is expected to be the 35-year-old player’s last participation in the competition. Messi won the championship with Argentina. He cemented a tremendous legacy at a time when fans are debating whether or not Messi is the best player in the history of the sport.
Kylian Mbappé, the youthful prodigy from France who twice tied the game, proved to be his equal and defeated him. The Golden Boot was awarded to the 23-year-old player since he not only scored three goals but also converted a penalty kick.