Argentina WIN the World Cup after beating France 4-2 on penalties (3-3 aet) in pulsating Qatar showpiece

The greatest World Cup final had the fitting finale it deserved as Argentina edged France on penalties to be crowned champions for the third time in their history and the first time in 36 years.

Following a staggering 120 minutes of football that ended 3-3 after extra-time, it was the South Americans who prevailed 4-2 in the shootout.

Gonzalo Montiel will go down in Argentinian folklore after scoring the winning spot-kick but Emiliano Martinez also played his part in saving Kingsley Coman’s effort too.

This tournament has had plenty of off-field controversy in Qatar but Sunday’s showpiece delivered beyond it’s wildest imaginations and further solidified those who believe Lionel Messi is the greatest to ever play the sport.

Lionel Scaloni’s side looked on course to win the World Cup after taking a 2-0 lead in the first half through a Messi penalty and Angel di Maria finish.

France looked short of ideas and their manager Didier Deschamps acted swiftly by hooking Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele before half-time.

Chaotic two minutes turns the game on its head

Those changes, and others in the second half, failed to ignite the defending champions until a crazy two-minute spell in the dying embers of the fixture.

Kylian Mbappe scored twice in the space of minute to restore parity in an ever-evolving script at the Lusail Stadium in Doha.

His first was from the penalty spot on 80 minutes after Nicolas Otamendi had fouled Randal Kolo Muani.

His second was a thing of beauty as he volleyed home on the edge of the area.

That sent the final into extra-time with the first 15 minutes cagey.

Both teams pushed for a winner and it looked as if Argentina had done it when Messi grabbed his second on 108 minutes.

But France and Mbappe were not finished and France’s star completed his hat-trick with another penalty after Montiel handled inside the box.

In doing so, the 23-year-old Mbappe became only the second man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final after Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966.

France had a golden chance to win it at the end when Muani was through on goal but Martinez stopped his effort with a brilliant last-gap save.

Penalty drama

Penalties ensued and after Mbappe and Messi both converted, CoMan saw his effort saved to give Argentina the advantage after Paolo Dybala scored his.

Aurelien Tchouameni then dragged his wide for France allowing Leandro Paredes to extend Argentina’s lead in the shootout.

Muani scored from the spot to keep France in it but Montiel kept his composure to see Argentina home and add the 2022 title to their 1978 and 1986 triumphs.