Vinay Nayudu
Doha
In what was one of the all-time World Cup finals to win, Argentina made Lionel Messi’s dream come alive as they clinched the epic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 title clash against a never-say-die France 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw at the 89,000-capacity Lusail Stadium here on Sunday.
It was the Albiceleste’s third World Cup title, first since 1986, whereas France were denied a second successive title. It was also the only third World Cup final to be decided on penalties after 1994 and 2006.
“A night to Remember’ mashup of songs was a precursor to the electric final and it turned out to be one for ages with Messi – appearing on the World Cup stage for a last time, and Kylian Mbappe – the new Pele of football –playing the lead roles for their teams.
The army of tens of thousands of the Argentinian fans at the stadium and millions back home and around the world had hoped for a fitting farewell for the legendary Messi – and what was his last dance, boy he did a waltz!
Messi’s 23rd minute penalty and a goal from Angel Di Maria put Argentina on path to a dominating start till the halftime before Mbappe turned it around for Les Bleus with two goals in just 97 secs to set up the cracker.
The French talisman converted a penalty, then volleyed home 60 seconds later to send the final into extra time.
Messi then rallied the show for Argentina in extra time as Dayot Upamecano twice denied substitute Lautaro Martínez before half-time.
Early in the second half of the extra-time, Martinez broke through but his shot was parried by Hugo Lloris but an alert Messi forced the ball over the line. It seemed to be Messi’s ‘Maradona moment’.
France were not to give in, and Mbappe converted a late penalty to level again at 3-3. It was pulsating but the nerves were solid as players stepped up for the penalties.
Mbappe was up first in the shootout and scored before Messi stayed cool as ever to roll the ball past French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Then came the heartstopper as Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez dived to his right to stop Kingsley Coman’s kick. To make matters worse, France’s Aurelien Tchouameni kicked wide, before Gonzalo Montiel converted the winning spot-kick to send his nation into a frenzy.
Messi, having played in five World Cups, eventually crowned his glittering career with the greatest prize of all.
In contrast was the just 23, Mbappe who ended up on the losing side despite becoming just the second player man to score three times in a World Cup final, matching the effort of England’s Geoff Hurst in 1966.
While Mbappe arrived late to the party, he immediately became the show stopper with his individual brilliance. He first gave hope to his demoralized colleagues with a good penalty kick and then, even before the cheers could die down, he sent the French fans, including President Emmaneul Macron in the boxes, into a clapping spree scoring his second goal that almost brought the roof down.
Earlier, Messi began his magic when he flicked the ball to his right for Julian Alvarez, who sent it to Alexis Mac Allister. His low ball was perfect for Angel di Maria, who reached to slam in a fine finish. The wonderful goal saw Di Maria shedding tears of joy.
At 2-0, Argentina seemed to be on Everest but France rallied and substitute Kolo Muani got in behind the defence and was dragged down by Nicolas Otamendi. The foul saw the referee signal to the spot and from nowhere. This was a lifeline.
The proceedings thereon saw the epic unfolding – a final which included Messi’s ‘Maradona moment’ and even more.
And to recall that France had two goals in two minutes after having failed to register a single attempt in the first 67 minutes of the match!
Soon after at the prize presentation, the very moment Messi kissed the World Cup trophy while passing by, saw the stadium go up in cheers.
The party for the Argentinians and Argentina lovers is surely not going to stop!
