Argentina are the 2022 World Cup champions after defeating France 4-2 in the penalty shootout for the first time since 1986.Both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé had incredible games, with two goals and a hat-trick respectively. However, only one could be crowned champion and it was the moment of Messi.
Messi scored the first goal from the penalty point, after Ousmane Dembele touched Angel Di Maria from behind. It was a controversial choice, but Messi didnât miss and he scored his sixth goal in the tournament. Then, Di Maria scored the second to give Argentina a good advantage.
However, when everything seemed like it was going to end with an Argentine victory in the 90 minutes, Kylian Mbappé appeared. He scored the first for France from the penalty spot, and then one minute later, put the 2-2 to go to extra time. Once again, the stars appeared to make it 3-3 before the dramatic penalty shootout definition.
Pressâ reaction on Lionel Messi and Argentina crowning World Cup champions
The press all over the world are praising Leo Messi and Argentina as the new World champions. ESPN says that âArgentinaâs World Cup final win over France in all-time classic crowns Lionel Messiâs glorious career.â
The New York Times
Meanwhile, The New York Times says that âafter a wild final, Argentina won the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1986 â a crowning achievement for Lionel Messi.â Meanwhile, Marca congratulates Messi, saying that he âdeservesâ his World Cup. Same Mundo Deportivo and Sport from Spain.
Daily Mail UK
The Italian paper La Gazzetta dello Sport puts Messi at the same level as Diego Maradona, with a headline: âArgentina are World Cup champions. Messi is like Maradona. France knocked out on penalties.â
Gazzeta dello Sport
The Daily Mail from the UK says âMessi is the kink of the World.â While LâEquipe from France gives a more sad note, with the headline âFatal tearsâ and a photo from Kylian MbappĂ© crying. From Italy also, TuttoSport says that Messi âjust like Diego.â
LâEquipe
