Celebrations have gripped Argentina where tens of thousands of joyous fans flooded the streets of Buenos Aires as the Argentina team is bringing home football’s most coveted trophy after 36 years.
Lionel Messi finally achieved his World Cup dream as Argentina won their third crown on penalties in one of the greatest finals in FIFA World Cup history.
Argentina and France drew 3-3 through extra time to set the record. Lionel Messi scored two goals for Argentina and Kylian Mbappe got a hat trick for France — the first in a World Cup final since 1966.
Argentina won the title prevailing 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a spectacular game that developed into the much-anticipated confrontation between the 35-year-old maestro Messi and his France opposite number Kylian Mbappe.
With this win, Messi completes his glorious career by emulating the great Diego Maradona. “Obviously I wanted to finish my career with this. I can’t ask for more. But, I want to keep experiencing a few more matches as world champion,” he told Argentine television.
It was a perfectly scripted farewell for Messi who said it will be his fifth and final World Cup tournament.
Top awards
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Emi Martinez scooped the big prizes at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
Golden Boot award: His team lost the World Cup final, but France forward Kylian Mbappe won the FIFA Golden Boot trophy, after scoring the most goals in the tournament. Mbappe’s hat-trick in the final saw him win the golden boot with eight goals.
Golden Glove award: Emiliano Martinez scooped the Golden Glove trophy, which is awarded to the tournament’s best keeper, after incredible saves that helped Argentina win on penalties.
Golden Ball award: Lionel Messi received the Golden Ball trophy which is awarded to the tournament’s best player.
FIFA Young Player award: Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez won the FIFA Young Player award after many starring roles in Argentina’s midfield in the tournament and a tremendous performance in the final.
World Cup in Qatar sets record with 172 goals scored
The six-goal final between France and Argentina set a World Cup record of 172 at this year’s tournament. The previous tournament record of 171 goals was set in 1998 and 2014.
The 2026 World Cup will likely set a new record as the current 32-team format has been expanded to 48 teams in the next world cup which the United States, Mexico and Canada will host. The teams will include 45 qualifying nations plus the three host countries.