World Cup 2022 final LIVE: Argentina vs France reaction as Messi finally wins World Cup after penalty shootout

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Argentina have won the 2022 World Cup after emerging victorious from a penalty shootout in perhaps the greatest final of all time against France - triumphing 4-2 on spot-kicks after a 3-3 draw after extra time.

Lionel Messi finally achieved his lifelong dream by emulating his hero Diego Maradona and winning the World Cup for his country - filling the one hole on his glittering career CV.

Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick as the 2018 champions came from 2-0 down in normal time and then battled back after falling behind again in the extra 30 minutes, with Messi netting a brace during the 120 minutes.

But Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni missed from 12 yards in the shootout before Gonzalo Montiel netted the decisive spot-kick to spark wild scenes of celebration for the South Americans

Relive all the action in our live blog, below: 

World Cup final 2022: Argentina vs France latest updates

  • Argentina beat France on penalties in incredible World Cup final in Qatar

  • Football icon Lionel Messi achieves history in his last World Cup match by finally winning the tournament

  • Kylian Mbappe scores hat-trick in vain as France fall agonisingly short of retaining World Cup

  • RESULT! Argentina 3-3 France (Argentina win 4-2 on pens)

  • FULL-TIME of extra-time! France 3-3 Argentina - game goes to penalties

  • 120+3’ - SAVE! Martinez pulls out stunning save from Kolo Muani to send final to penalties

  • 120’ - CHANCE! Kolo Muani’s glancing header goes narrowly wide (ARG 3-3 FRA)

  • 118’ - GOAL! Mbappe lashes home penalty to complete hat-trick (ARG 3-3 FRA)

  • 109’ - GOAL! Messi scrambles home rebound to put Argentina back ahead (ARG 3-2 FRA)

  • 105’ - CHANCE! Martinez has one on one blocked by Upamecano (ARG 2-2 FRA)

  • 90+7’ SAVE! Lloris tips Messi’s piledriver over the bar (ARG 2-2 FRA)

  • 81’ - GOAL! Mbappe volleys home superb equaliser as game swings (ARG 2-2 FRA)

  • 80’ - GOAL! Mbappe sneaks penalty into the corner after Otamendi hauls down Kolo Muani (ARG 2-1 FRA)

  • 36’ - GOAL! Di Maria finishes brilliant team move (ARG 2-0 FRA)

  • 23’ - GOAL! Messi converts penalty after Di Maria fouled (ARG 1-0 FRA)

Argentina win World Cup after penalty shootout victory over France

19:39 , Michael Jones

One last bit of sportswashing from Qatar.

Argentina win World Cup after penalty shootout victory over France

19:35 , Michael Jones

Argentina have won more penalty shootouts than any nation in World Cup history, with this their sixth such triumph.

They are the third nation to win a World Cup final shootout, after Brazil in 1994 and Italy in 2006.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

‘No reason to do that’: Pablo Zabaleta criticises decision to cover Lionel Messi’s Argentina shirt

19:33 , Michael Jones

Pablo Zabaleta criticised the decision to drape a bisht around Lionel Messi during the World Cup trophy presentation on Sunday.

Argentina became three-time world title winners by beating defending champions France on penalties in the final in Qatar, with Messi finally lifting trophy that had long eluded him.

Messi opened the scoring with a first-half penalty, before Angel Di Maria doubled Argentina’s lead before the break. However, Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain teammate scored his own spot-kick in the 80th minute and struck again just 97 seconds later to make it 2-2 and force extra time.

In that additional period, Messi scored a close-range goal to restore Argentina’s lead, before Mbappe netted another penalty to bring about a shootout.

Both players scored in the shootout, but it was Argentina who won it 4-2.

Pablo Zabaleta criticises decision to cover Lionel Messi’s Argentina shirt

Why Argentina won this penalty shootout before it even began

19:30 , Michael Jones

The noise was deafening, and with each step it got louder. The brave French players who trod the lonely walk to the penalty spot were met by a wall of whistles and boos, and yet it was more than that: this was an animalistic howl of a noise, a piercing shriek which compelled the French to take notice, to feel the fury in the air.

Kylian Mbappe ignored it – he had scored two penalties and a hat-trick already and he wasn’t about to miss now: 1-0. It rained down on Kingsley Coman like a storm, and it didn’t stop until he was repelled by the hands of Emi Martinez. 1-1. Then came Aurelien Tchouameni, and your stomach tightened for a 22-year-old in his first World Cup, because there was no empathy where he was going.

When he got there, Martinez embarked on some prime sh**housery, flinging the ball in the other direction to stretch out the moment, or perhaps to assert his power. He dived the wrong way but Tchouameni was rattled and missed the target. 2-1. The screech beat down on Randal Kolo Muani, but he held his nerve. 3-2. But then the rage melted away and it turned to hope. Gonzalo Montiel strode forwards, rolled the ball into the bottom corner, and it was done.

Why Argentina won this penalty shootout before it even began

Argentina win World Cup after penalty shootout victory over France

19:27 , Michael Jones

Even a story that felt like destiny had an ending nobody could have expected. Lionel Messi becomes the most beautiful of winners, in the ugliest of settings, and after the greatest of difficulties.

That pristine last fact somehow made it all the more special, only spoke more to the glory of it all. After a game that involved such doubt, that went to levels where we were talking about human spirit let alone sporting spirit, there can be no disputing his legacy.

He has confirmed himself as the greatest player in history, after the greatest final in history, and an occasion that so fittingly had so many historical echoes. Messi at last emulated Diego Maradona as Kylian Mbappe came so close to following Pele, the match itself featuring notes of 1954, 1958, 1966 and 1986. This is 2022, though, and it is Messi’s year; his moment. He has his first World Cup, Argentina have their third, but only after winning this astonishing and incredible final three times.

It was 3-3 and then 4-2 on penalties over France but those are just what goes down in the records. What really should be recounted is the emotion, the dramatics, the theatrics, the release, the image of players going to the absolute limit because this is what the World Cup means.

This went beyond. Games of these stakes almost never go to such states, of emotion, of performance, of ecstacy.

Argentina win World Cup after penalty shootout victory over France

There is finally something new to say about Lionel Messi, World Cup winner

19:23 , Michael Jones

A 13-year-old Lionel Messi once gave a Q&A interview while he was still playing for the youth teams at Newell’s Old Boys. Speaking to Diario La Capital, a local newspaper in Rosario, he revealed that if he could eat any meal, it would be pollo con salsa. If he could date any model, it would be Argentine television personality Nicole Neumann. If he could watch any film, it would be 1994 adventure comedy Baby’s Day Out. And if he could do any job, he would be a PE teacher.

Earlier this week, a grainy scanned copy of that interview went semi-viral across social media. You might have seen it, in fact. The story was picked up by several news websites and content platforms. It was one of the most ‘upvoted’ posts on the r/soccer subreddit, no less. It was shared and reshared, ripped and aggregated, recycled and regurgitated until we had all had our fill of it, in the way that every new and previously undetected morsel about Messi is.

Except this was not the first time the interview had done the rounds. It hadn’t been lying in someone’s attic for the past 22 years, only to be uncovered a few days before the most consequential night of Messi’s long career. That would be quite the coincidence, when you come to think of it. It had in fact first come to light three years ago, when it was shared and reshared, ripped and aggregated, recycled and regurgitated until we had all had our fill of it then too.

There is finally something new to say about Lionel Messi, World Cup winner

Lionel Messi breaks World Cup appearances record en route to glory in Qatar

19:20 , Michael Jones

Lionel Messi broke the record for the most World Cup appearances as he inspired Argentina to victory against France in Sunday’s final.

Messi’s 26th appearance at the finals since his debut 16 years ago took him past Germany great Lothar Matthaus’ mark.

Here we look at his history on the game’s biggest stage after he added the trophy to his career roll honours list.

Lionel Messi breaks World Cup appearances record en route to glory in Qatar

He’s now the GOAT: Gary Lineker says Lionel Messi has surpassed Diego Maradona with World Cup win

19:17 , Michael Jones

Lionel Messi finally lifting the World Cup for Argentina means he has surpassed Diego Maradona as the greatest player of all time, according to Gary Lineker.

The GOAT debate has raged particularly fiercely during the tournament, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s inability to lift the trophy has ruled him out in many people’s eyes and the comparisons between Argentine greats Messi and Maradona have escalated.

Maradona famously drove his country to victory at the 1986 World Cup, while the Jules Rimet trophy was conspicuous by its absence on Messi’s glittering career CV - as the only missing major accolade.

He’s now the GOAT: Gary Lineker says Lionel Messi has surpassed Diego Maradona

World Cup 2022 best goals: From Richarlison’s acrobatic effort to Mbappe’s magic moment

19:14 , Michael Jones

There were some memorable goals scored at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

From acrobatic efforts to clever set-pieces, there were plenty of fine strikes to get the crowds off their feet.

Here, the PA news agency selects six of the best from across the tournament:

From Richarlison to Mbappe, the World Cup’s best goals

Argentina win the World Cup

19:11 , Michael Jones

Here’s the moment Lionel Messi and Argentina finally go their hands on the World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe produces the most memorable fightback only to end with the most inglorious despair

19:08 , Michael Jones

The best World Cup ever, Gianni Infantino had said. It turned out Fifa’s propagandist of a president was merely missing a word. The best World Cup final ever? The case grew stronger as the game grew more illogical, more credibility-defying, more dramatic.

Twice Argentina thought they had won the World Cup 2022.

France’s responses – two goals in two minutes of mayhem, a further one in the 118th minute – amounted to the greatest comeback in World Cup final history.

Gonzalo Montiel came off the bench, first cost Argentina the trophy by conceding a penalty and then earned them it by scoring one in the shootout. If the journey from villain to hero was swift, it transpired some of an extraordinary evening’s heroics were in vain.

Mbappe produces most memorable fightback only to earn the most inglorious despair

Lionel Messi wins Golden Ball award after leading Argentina to World Cup glory

19:05 , Michael Jones

Lionel Messi has been named the best player at the World Cup as he picked up the Golden Ball award shortly after leading Argentina to the title.

Messi won his first World Cup as Argentina defeated France on penalties to win a dramatic final in Qatar.

Messi scored twice in the final, Argentina’s first and third goals in the 3-3 draw. It took his total at the World Cup to seven goals, while he also had three assist and produced a number of brilliant moments throughout the tournament.

The 35-year-old missed out on the Golden Boot award after France forward Kylian Mbappe scored a stunning hat-trick in the final, taking his total to eight goals overall.

Messi has now won the Golden Ball twice after he was named player of the tournament at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Lionel Messi wins Golden Ball award after leading Argentina to World Cup glory

Argentina win the World Cup

19:02 , Michael Jones

Messi kisses the World Cup

19:00 , Michael Jones

Geoff Hurst reacts to Kylian Mbappe equalling his World Cup final hat-trick record

18:57 , Michael Jones

Until now, Geoff Hurst had been the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup 2022 final but after seeing Kylian Mbappe equal his record in Sunday’s incredible showpiece between France and Argentina, the England legend was magnanimous in his response.

French superstar Mbappe, at the age of just 23 and having already won the World Cup as a teenager in 2018, scored a hat-trick as Les Bleus fought back from 2-0 down to force extra time and then battled back from falling a goal behind in the additional 30 minutes to take the final to a penalty shootout.

With two of his three goals having already come from the penalty spot, Mbappe was perfect again from 12 yards in the shootout but Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni both missed before Gonzalo Montiel netted the decisive spot-kick to spark wild scenes of celebration for Argentina.

Geoff Hurst reacts to Kylian Mbappe equalling his World Cup final hat-trick record

Kylian Mbappe sets World Cup record despite defeat to Argentina

18:54 , Michael Jones

Kylian Mbappe took his tally of World Cup final goals to a record four with a hat-trick on Sunday as France drew 3-3 with Argentina before being beaten on penalties.

It was only the second ever treble in a men’s World Cup final, matching England striker Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966, and here we look at each of the efforts from the 23-year-old Paris St Germain forward over the last two finals.

Kylian Mbappe sets World Cup record despite defeat to Argentina

Messi wins the World Cup

18:51 , Michael Jones

It was the one he was missing. The one trophy he always dreamt of winning and now Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, is a world champion.

He will always be remembered for World Cup and its incredible final.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

How the chaos of the greatest ever World Cup final unfolded

18:48 , Michael Jones

It’s Lionel Messi’s day, it’s Lionel Messi’s World Cup, but for more than a moment it looked to have been Kylian Mbappe’s. There is no debate that the Lusail Stadium has staged the greatest World Cup final in history and while its outcome was determined and decided by its biggest names it was a match where its momentum and and very spirit was shaken and influenced by so much more.

The illusion is thinking there was order to the chaos. At first it was Angel Di Maria and a masterstroke from Lionel Scaloni. And then it was Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram, thrown on out of desperation by Didier Deschamps. Argentina had been inspired but France responded. Then, when France had control of the World Cup and sensed history, Argentina found Emiliano Martinez and, from nowhere, Gonzalo Montiel.

This is Argentina’s World Cup, but this was a final that belongs to those who wrote its drama. France did not have a plan to stop Argentina and Lionel Messi. It is not the role of the defending champions to bend the knee, after all, but with five minutes to go in the first half of the World Cup final France were two goals down and Deschamps had no other option but to try something new.

How the chaos of the greatest ever World Cup final unfolded

World Cup presentation

18:46 , Michael Jones

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup presentation

18:44 , Michael Jones

Now comes Lionel Messi. The Emir of Qatar and Fifa President Gianni Infantino hand the World Cup over to the Argentina captain.

Messi strides over to his teammates and hoists it aloft.

Argentina are the champions of the world.

World Cup presentation

18:42 , Michael Jones

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

World Cup presentation

18:41 , Michael Jones

Now it’s Argentina’s turn. The squad steps up to the stage in their shirt number order. The number 10 is skipped though as Lionel Messi will bring up the rear.

There are smiles on each of the players faces, they shake the hands of the dignitaries, collect their medals and wait for Messi to bring them the trophy.

France president consoles players after World Cup final loss to Argentina

18:36 , Michael Jones

France president Emmanuel Macron took to the pitch to console France players on Sunday, after they lost the World Cup final to Argentina on penalties.

Arguably the greatest final in World Cup history played out at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, with France twice coming from behind – firstly to force extra time and then to bring about a penalty shootout.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the first half with a spot-kick, before Angel Di Maria doubled Argentina’s lead before the break. However, Kylian Mbappe scored his own penalty in the 80th minute and struck again within 97 seconds to make it 2-2 and take the game to extra time.

France president Emmanuel Macron consoles players after World Cup final loss

World Cup presentation

18:35 , Michael Jones

The main ceremony now starts with Hugo Lloris leading his French teammates onto the stage to collect their runners-up medals. Didier Deschamps gives a smile to the French President Emmanuel Macron as he steps up.

All the players have dejected looks, this is one of the hardest walks in sport. Knowing that you came so close to glory but faltered at the final hurdle.

World Cup presentation

18:33 , Michael Jones

Enzo Fernandez and Emiliano Martinez collecting their trophies.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup presentation

18:31 , Michael Jones

Lionel Messi receives the Golden Ball award as the best player of the tournament. He’s also going to lift the World Cup in a couple of minutes.

What a tournament this has been for the 35-year-old legend.

World Cup presentation

18:30 , Michael Jones

There’s a huge cheer for Kylian Mbappe as he strides up to the stage to collect the Golden Boot.

It’s an emotional moment for him, the 23-year-old looks gutted as he poses for the photos.

World Cup presentation

18:29 , Michael Jones

The stage has been erected on the pitch at the Lusail Stadium and the tournament awards are being given out.

Argentina’s 21-year-old Enzo Fernandez wins the Young Player of the Tournament before Emiliano Martinez claims the Golden Glove award.

Watch Messi score penalty against France in World Cup final

18:27 , Michael Jones

Lionel Messi scored the opening goal of the World Cup final on Sunday (18 December), giving Argentina a first-half lead over France by netting a penalty – which you can watch below.

Dribbling past France winger Ousmane Dembele on Argentina’s left flank, Angel Di Maria cut into the French penalty box and was clipped by Dembele from behind.

Di Maria hit the turf, and referee Szymon Marciniak pointed to the spot, where Argentina captain Messi lined up his penalty.

Messi goal: Watch Argentina captain score penalty against France in World Cup final

Record breaking Mbappe

18:23 , Michael Jones

Kylian Mbappé is the second player to score a World Cup final hat-trick after Geoff Hurst for England vs Germany in 1966. He has also scored more World Cup final goals than any other player in the tournament’s history with four.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Lionel Messi reduced to tears after winning World Cup with Argentina in all-time great final with France

18:21 , Michael Jones

Lionel Messi was reduced to tears after winning the World Cup with Argentina on Sunday, the captain scoring twice in the most dramatic of finals against France.

Arguably the biggest storyline heading into the final in Qatar was around Messi, who was bidding to lift an elusive World Cup trophy after coming up short in the 2014 final against Germany.

Messi failed to find the net in that 1-0 defeat in Brazil eight years ago, but in this – surely his final World Cup game – the 35-year-old scored twice as the match ended 3-3 after extra time.

Lionel Messi reduced to tears after winning World Cup with Argentina

World Cup final player ratings: Mbappe produces heroics but Argentina beat France on penalties in classic

18:18 , Michael Jones

Argentina have ended their 36-year wait to become world champions, having beaten France on penalties 4-2 following a 3-3 draw after extra time in the World Cup final in Qatar.

The South Americans started much the better side and earned a deserved lead when Lionel Messi tucked away a penalty following a foul on Angel Di Maria. The pressure from the Albiceleste was unrelenting and a brilliant break down the right channel ended in Alexis Mac Allister crossing for Di Maria to rattle in a second.

Didier Deschamps made two changes for Les Bleus before half-time in an attempt to spark some life into his side, but the champions of four years ago were listless throughout. Kylian Mbappe skied one rare effort but the threat was intermittent at that end until the final 10 minutes - then Mbappe incredibly netted twice in under 100 seconds, the first a penalty and the second a magnificent volley.

That sent the game to extra time and it was Messi again thought he had the final say, scuffing in a close-range finish - only for Mbappe to net yet another late penalty, send the match to spotkicks - with Gonzalo Montiel scoring the decisive one.

Here are the player ratings from the World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium:

World Cup final player ratings: Mbappe heroics not enough as Messi wins at last

Argentina win World Cup after penalty shootout victory over France

18:15 , Michael Jones

The Argentina supporters went wild in Buenos Aires following Gonzalo Montiel’s winning spot kick.

Argentina win World Cup after penalty shootout victory over France

18:12 , Michael Jones

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (PA)
(PA)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Argentina win World Cup after penalty shootout victory over France

18:10 , Michael Jones

The Argentina players are dancing in front of their fans, they’re hugging each other and drinking in the moment.

Kylian Mbappe is heartbroken, he gave it all for France, he scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final yet still ended up on the wrong end of the result.

Argentina win World Cup after penalty shootout victory over France

18:08 , Michael Jones

Argentina have won the 2022 World Cup after emerging victorious from a penalty shootout in a scarcely-believable final against France.

Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick as the 2018 champions twice came from behind after Lionel Messi’s brace had twice put Argentina ahead.

But Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni missed from 12 yards before Gonzalo Montiel netted the decisive spot-kick to spark wild scenes of celebration.

Argentina win World Cup after penalty shootout victory over France

Kylian Mbappe wins World Cup golden boot award after hat-trick in final defeat

18:06 , Michael Jones

Kylian Mbappe has won the golden boot at the World Cup in Qatar, after scoring a hat-trick in France’s defeat by Argentina in Sunday’s final.

The prize is awarded to the player who has scored the most goals at the most recent edition of the tournament, an accolade that Mbappe secured on Sunday (18 December) by netting for the sixth, seventh and eighth times at the Qatar World Cup.

France forward Mbappe entered the final having scored five goals, level with Paris Saint-Germain teammate Lionel Messi but with two assists to the Argentine’s three, making Messi the frontrunner for the prize.

And Messi seemed to have wrapped up the golden boot after opening the scoring with a first-half penalty, a platform that Argentina built upon when Angel Di Maria made it 2-0 before half time. But with 10 minutes left in normal time, Mbappe scored his own penalty before completing a brace with a half-volley just 97 seconds later.

The golden boot then again looked to be going home with Messi in extra time, when the 35-year-old scored a close-range goal to put Argentina 3-2 up, but Mbappe netted another penalty minutes later to equalise once more and beat Messi in the race for the golden boot.

Kylian Mbappe wins World Cup golden boot award after hat-trick in final defeat

Argentina win the World Cup beating France 4-2 in penalty shootout!

18:04 , Michael Jones

Argentina win the World Cup beating France 4-2 in penalty shootout!

17:59 , Michael Jones

Lionel Messi is a World Cup winner. He’s finally achieved a lifelong dream.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Argentina win the World Cup beating France 4-2 in penalty shootout!

17:57 , Michael Jones

There are tears of joy, tears of pain. There’s singing and cheering, hugs and kisses. Argentina are celebrating, France are heartbroken.

Gonzalo Montiel smoked home the decisive penalty kick. He brings the World Cup back to Argentina.

Penalties: Argentina 4-2 France

17:55 , Michael Jones

GOAL! He does! He scores! Hugo Lloris dives the wrong way and Argentina have done it. They’ve beaten the reigning champions and won the World Cup.

Penalties: Argentina 3-2 France

17:54 , Michael Jones

GOAL! Randal Kolo Muani blasts his penalty down the middle to keep France in with a chance of turning this around.

Gonzalo Montiel can win Argentina the World Cup...

Penalties: Argentina 3-1 France

17:53 , Michael Jones

GOAL! Yes he can! Hugo Lloris gets a hand to the shot but can’t keep it out. Argentina are one kick away from being crowned champions!

Penalties: Argentina 2-1 France

17:53 , Michael Jones

WIDE! The stadium erupts in cheers as Aurelien Tchouameni drags his penalty kick wide of the goal!

Argentina are in full control now. Can Leandro Paredes put them two in front?

Penalties: Argentina 2-1 France

17:51 , Michael Jones

GOAL! Paulo Dybala goes straight down the middle and sends Argentina in front!

Penalties: Argentina 1-1 France

17:51 , Michael Jones

SAVE! Kingsley Coman goes low to the left but Emi Martinez dives across, gets two hands and his body behind the shot and keeps it out!

Huge moment for Argentina.

Penalties: Argentina 1-1 France

17:50 , Michael Jones

Leo Messi follows Mbappe to the spot. Can he achieve the same result?

GOAL! Yes he can. He just rolls the ball past Hugo Lloris. All square.

Penalties: Argentina 0-1 France

17:49 , Michael Jones

GOAL! France are up first and it’s that man, Kylian Mbappe, to strike. He’s already netted two penalties during this game and he bangs in another one!

France take the lead.

Penalties: Argentina 0-0 France

17:46 , Michael Jones

Both men have given it their all but there can only be one winner. Who will be crowned a world champion?

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

ET Full-time: Argentina 3-3 France

17:44 , Michael Jones

120+3 mins: The 2022 World Cup final is going to be decided by a penalty shootout. This was a game described as Messi vs Mbappe and boy did they deliver.

The two superstars on either side scored five of the six goals over the 120+ minutes but they’re not finished yet.

Argentina had the game won twice but France fought back twice. Now it’s anyone’s game. Who is going to win from here?

ET Argentina 3-3 France

17:40 , Michael Jones

120 mins: Argentina win a late corner that Messi curls into the box. Lloris stays on his line and France manage to scoop the ball clear.

Les Bleus sweep down the pitch and give the ball to Mbappe driving down the left. He flicks it over to Kolo Muani who meets the ball with a headed effort but sends it wide of the goal!

There’ll be three more minutes added on.

ET GOAL! Argentina 3-3 France (Mbappe, 118’)⚽️

17:38 , Michael Jones

118 mins: Mbappe blasts it into the bottom left corner. He’s got a hat-trick in the World Cup final and France are level again!

What drama.

Penalty to France!

17:36 , Michael Jones

ET Argentina 3-2 France

115 mins: Kylian Mbappe takes a shot from outside the box but Gonzalo Montiel leaps into the air and blocks it with his arm. The referee points immediately to the spot.

Another chance for Mbappe to score is coming up.

ET Argentina 3-2 France

17:35 , Michael Jones

114 mins: Ouch! Eduardo Camavinga gets clattered by a leaping Leandro Paredes in the middle of the pitch with the Argentina substitute accepting the resultant yellow card.

France have six minutes to score again. Argentina are six minutes away from winning the World Cup.

ET Argentina 3-2 France

17:33 , Michael Jones

111 mins: Argentina have nine minutes to hold onto their lead. They’ve given the game away once and look unlikely to do so again.

A knackered Raphael Varane is taken off to be replaced with Ibrahima Konate for France but Argentina are managing the game, they’re holding the ball up near the French corner flags.

ET GOAL! Argentina 3-2 France (Messi, 108’)⚽️

17:29 , Michael Jones

108 mins: Argentina go wild! The fans go wild, Lionel Messi may have just won the World Cup!

What a move. The ball comes over the top to Lautaro Martinez who dinks it into Messi before drifting into the right side of the box. Messi lays the ball to Enzo Fernandez who slides the through ball to Martinez.

He blasts a shot at goal that hits Hugo Lloris in the face and who is there to turn in the rebound? Lionel Messi.

ET Argentina 2-2 France

17:25 , Michael Jones

105 mins: Argentina get the second half of extra-time underway. There’s just a quarter of an hour left to decide the 2022 World Cup winner before this one heads into a penalty shootout.

Will we see a winning goal?

ET Argentina 2-2 France

17:24 , Michael Jones

105+1 mins: The first half of extra-time comes to an end with Dayot Upamecano making another exceptional block to guide Lautaro Martinez’s second shot wide of the target.

The next 15 minutes will be huge. It doesn’t feel as though this game will be decided by penalties.

ET Argentina 2-2 France

17:22 , Michael Jones

105 mins: Chances for Argentina! Lionel Messi injects some pace into Argentina’s attacking momentum and links up brilliantly with Lautaro Martinez who is given the ball inside the box. He shoots but Dayot Upamecano comes from out of nowhere to block the effort!

The ball bounces out to Gonzalo Montiel who blasts one from range only to see Raphael Varane nod the ball out of play.

ET Argentina 2-2 France

17:19 , Michael Jones

102 mins: Lionel Scaloni now makes a couple of changes for Argentina. Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martinez both come on replacing Rodrigo de Paul and Julian Alvarez.

ET Argentina 2-2 France

17:17 , Michael Jones

100 mins: Youssouf Fofana is the latest substitute to come on for France as he replaces Adrian Rabiot. Fofana’s first real involvement sees him bring the ball down the left side and win a free kick.

Kingsley Coman swings the set piece into the box but Argentina manage to nod it away.

ET Argentina 2-2 France

17:15 , Michael Jones

99 mins: Coman whips a cross into the box from the right wing and the ball bounces awkwardly for Otamendi who manages to nod it over to Martinez in goal.

Argentina are looking leggy now. Lionel Scaloni needs to make some changes to freshen things up.

ET Argentina 2-2 France

17:14 , Michael Jones

96 mins: Kylian Mbappe limps away after a challenge from Cristian Romero scrapes down the top of his foot. There’s a rye smile on Mbappe’s face after that one. He’s believes France are going to win this game, you can see the confidence on his face.

ET Argentina 2-2 France

17:11 , Michael Jones

93 mins: Rodrigo de Paul brings the ball through the middle of the pitch to put France on the back foot. He slides a pass over to Lionel Messi who looks to dribble inside of Eduardo Camavinga but the midfielder isn’t fooled and nicks the ball off the forward.

Messi is hungry to recover it and brings Camavinga down with a lunging left leg.

ET Argentina 2-2 France

17:07 , Michael Jones

Kick off: France get the 30 minutes of extra-time started. Argentina will still be rocking after conceding those late goals. They did so against the Netherlands in the quarter-final but went on to win that game.

Gonzalo Montiel has come on to replace Nahuel Molina for Argentina.

Extra-time: Argentina 2-2 France

17:05 , Michael Jones

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Full-time: Argentina 2-2 France

17:02 , Michael Jones

90+8 mins: Into extra-time we go! Who would have thought that after 75 minutes of this game?

France complete a thrilling comeback to force the game into extra-time. Kylian Mbappe banging in two goals to draw Les Bleus level. They ended the game as the better team and may now have the belief to win this game.

Argentina 2-2 France

17:00 , Michael Jones

90+7 mins: Save! That was almost the moment. Leo Messi is given the ball on the inside right channel and cuts inside before smoking a great shot at goal.

Hugo Lloris sees it all the way and manages to tip the ball over the crossbar to deny Messi and Argentina the victory.

Argentina 2-2 France

16:58 , Michael Jones

90+5 mins: Close! Camavinga is tackled on the left side of the Argentina box but not before getting the ball to Coman. He pulls it back into the box and finds Rabiot.

Rabiot shoots but Martinez drops low to keep the shot out. He fumbles the ball but recovers it before Kolo Muani can prod it home.

Argentina 2-2 France

16:56 , Michael Jones

90+4 mins: A sign of things to come? Can Messi step into Maradona’s shoes?

Argentina 2-2 France

16:55 , Michael Jones

90+3 mins: The belief and confidence is all with France now. They win a free kick over on the left wing that Mbappe fires into the box. He doesn’t beat the first defender though and Argentina get the ball clear.

Argentina 2-2 France

16:53 , Michael Jones

90 mins: Kylian Mbappé scored two goals in the space of 97 seconds, becoming the first player to score a brace in a World Cup final since Ronaldo for Brazil vs Germany in 2002.

Can he add a third to take France to the title? Eight added minutes to play.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Argentina 2-2 France

16:51 , Michael Jones

87 mins: Marcus Thuram gets booked for diving inside the penalty area! Nicolas Otamendi looked to tackle him as he weaves through the box but withdrew his leg before contact and Thuram tries to trick the referee.

There’s going to be a fiar chunk of stoppage time added on. A goal to either team now with surely win the game.

Argentina 2-2 France

16:48 , Michael Jones

84 mins: Kylian Mbappe has given his country a brilliant chance to win this game now. He’s also taken the lead in the race for the Golden Boot. Can France go on to win now? This has been an unbelievable turnaround.

Six minutes of the 90 to play and Argentina are holding on.

GOAL! Argentina 2-2 France (Mbappe, 81’)⚽️

16:44 , Michael Jones

81 mins: FRANCE ARE LEVEL!

Lionel Messi loses the ball on the halfway line immediately after the game restarts. Kingsley Coman sends it inside to Adrian Rabiot who flicks it on to Kylian Mbappe.

He nods the ball over to Marcus Thuram who chips it into the penalty area. Mbappe breaks free of his marker and meets the ball with a first time shot that fizzes past Emi Martinez into the back of the net.

From nowhere France have equalised. Incredible scenes.

GOAL! Argentina 2-1 France (Mbappe, 80’)⚽️

16:43 , Michael Jones

80 mins: Mbappe scores! He guides the spot kick into the bottom left hand corner. Emi Martinez leaps the correct way but can’t get a hand to the ball.

Argentina may just start to worry now.

Penalty to France!

16:42 , Michael Jones

Argentina 2-0 France

79 mins: Randal Kolo Muani collects the ball as it gets flicked over the top and knocks it into the penalty area. He squeezes ahead of Nicolas Otamendi and is brought down by the defender.

Kylian Mbappe has the chance to get one back for France.

Argentina 2-0 France

16:38 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Didier Deschamps is quite animated on the sidelines, trying his best to get something more out of his team but it’s just not happening for France.

Argentina’s De Paul brings the ball down the right side and sends it up to Alvarez who is marshalled wide of the penalty area by Upamecano.

Argentina 2-0 France

16:35 , Michael Jones

72 mins: More changes for France. Antoine Griezmann and Theo Hernandez are taken off to be replaced with Eduardo Camavinga and Kingsley Coman.

Can France get a goal and set up an exciting finish to this World Cup final?

Argentina 2-0 France

16:34 , Michael Jones

69 mins: France’s biggest defeat under Didier Deschamps was a 3-0 friendly defeat to Brazil in Porto Alegre in June 2013 and they’re heading for a similar result this afternoon.

Le Bleus have still not had a shot on target in this match. Kylian Mbappe receives the ball out left and cuts inside before smoking a snapshot over the crossbar.

Argentina 2-0 France

16:29 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Angel Di Maria is given a loud round of applause as he leaves the pitch for Argentina. Marcus Acuna comes onto the pitch to replace the goalscorer.

Di Maria has been excellent today, can his teammates now finish off this match with a win?

Argentina 2-0 France

16:27 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Save! Mac Allister makes a good run through the middle of the pitch and carries the ball into the penalty area. Dayot Upamecano comes across and leans on the midfielder just as he takes a shot.

The Brighton man hits it low and straight at Hugo Lloris who keeps it out with a body save. That would have been it for France is that one went in.

Argentina 2-0 France

16:26 , Michael Jones

60 mins: Two thirds of the game played and Argentina are heading for a comfortable victory. France still haven’t created a decent opportunity at goal and they look so vulnerable to getting counte-attacked.

Argentina 2-0 France

16:22 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Kylian Mbappe now has a go at De Paul and kicks him on the ankles during a late tackle. The French forwards are showing signs that they’re not happy with how this game is going.

Chance! Julian Alvarez is slipped into the left side of the penalty area and smokes a low shot towards the near post only to be denied by a fine save from Hugo Lloris low to his right.

Argentina 2-0 France

16:20 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Adrian Rabiot takes down Rodrigo de Paul and collects the first yellow card of the match. Is that a sign of growing frustration from the French midfielder?

Argentina 2-0 France

16:14 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Nicolas Otamendi makes a mistake allowing Kylian Mbappe to win the ball and weave down the right side. He comes up against Enzo Fernandez inside the penalty area and earns France a corner.

Griezmann has the delivery but Emi Martinez shuffles into the middle of the box and plucks the ball out of the air with ease.

Argentina 2-0 France

16:13 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Chance! Another sweeping move from Argentina sees them transition up the pitch with speed. The ball comes out wide to Di Maria who curls a lofty ball across to Del Paul.

The midfielder meets the dropping ball on the volley and smokes a shot towards goal but Hugo Lloris gets in behind it and keeps the ball out.

Second half: Argentina 2-0 France

16:09 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Lionel Messi is 45 minutes away from becoming a World Cup winner. He gets the second half underway. There have been no further changes at the break with Didier Deschamps two first half subs the only difference to the starting line-ups.

Argentina pick up where they left off with Messi working the ball up to Alvarez. He feeds it across the pitch to De Paul who pulls the ball back ot Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez dinks one into the box to match Alexis Mac Allister’s run but Hugo Lloris comes quickly off the line to claim the ball.

HT Argentina 2-0 France

16:06 , Michael Jones

France failed to register a shot on target or take a touch inside the opposition’s box during the first half. They were sorely lacking during the first 45 minutes and need to vastly improve in the next half.

HT Argentina 2-0 France

16:01 , Michael Jones

Lionel Messi is the first player to score in the group stage, round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final in a single edition of the World Cup.

With 12 goals and 8 assists, Messi’s 20 goal involvements are the most of any player on record at the World Cup (1966 onwards).

HT Argentina 2-0 France

15:58 , Michael Jones

...before Angel Di Maria added a second before the break.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

HT Argentina 2-0 France

15:57 , Michael Jones

Lionel Messi sent Argentina in front from the penalty spot...

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Half-time: Argentina 2-0 France

15:52 , Michael Jones

45+7 mins: Advantage Argentina. The World Cup is firmly in the hands of Lionel Scaloni’s side as the two teams head down the tunnel for the half-time break.

A soft penalty gave Lionel Messi the opportunity to open the scoring and he obliged from the spot before Angel Di Maria converted a flowing counter-attack to double their lead.

Both players featured in the Argentina squad that lost the 2014 final to Germany. Will they be on the winning side this time around?

Argentina 2-0 France

15:48 , Michael Jones

45+3 mins: Emi Martinez boots an Argentina free kick high up the pitch. It’s one of the few touches the goalkeeper has made during this half.

The defending world champions haven’t troubled Argentina’s goal at all.

Argentina 2-0 France

15:45 , Michael Jones

45 mins: Seven minutes of added time to play at the end of this first half. It’s been 45 minutes that France will want to forget, they need to reset ahead of the second half.

Can Les Bleus sneak in a goal before the break to make things interesting?

Argentina 2-0 France

15:42 , Michael Jones

42 mins: Didier Deschamps isn’t happy. He makes a double change before half-time with Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele both hooked off.

Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram come on.

Argentina 2-0 France

15:41 , Michael Jones

39 mins: Argentina are bossing this game. France haven’t been able to generate anything at all. This is not going the way any France fans would have been hoping for.

GOAL! Argentina 2-0 France (Di Maria, 36’)⚽️

15:36 , Michael Jones

36 mins: Two for Argentina! They win the ball back inside their own half and work it up to Leo Messi who flicks the ball around the nearest Frenchman to send Alexis Mac Allister storming forward on the counter-attack.

He carries the ball all the way to the penalty area before slipping it across to Angel Di Maria arriving from the left side. Di Maria shoots first time and drills the ball into the deck where it bounces over Hugo Lloris and finishes in the far bottom corner!

Argentina 1-0 France

15:35 , Michael Jones

33 mins: Argentina fans react to Messi penalty securing early lead.

Argentina 1-0 France

15:32 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Half an hour to play and France still look half asleep. They haven’t offered much at all though will feel hard done by with that soft penalty.

Messi looks for Di Maria on the left once again and he keeps the ball in play before having a cross cleared inside the box.

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