Mbappe’s hat-trick gives France a chance in the dramatic conclusion, but La Albiceleste are unstoppable because to Martinez’s heroics in the shootout under the bar.
This was undoubtedly the final opportunity. In order to sprinkle some of his stardust on this World Cup, 35-year-old Lionel Messi forced his ageing legs to generate moments of balletic beauty. Again, the stadium was blue and white, with Messi’s supporters eagerly awaiting the fame that he and the entire world had waited for since June 16, 2006, when he made his World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro.
And then, 6029 days, 120 gruelling minutes, and a shootout later, the anguish was finally over as Argentina defeated France on a historic, magnificent night at the Lusail Stadium.
