WATCH: Montiel wins shootout for Messi & Argentina after thrilling World Cup final clash with France
- Albiceleste threw away leads
- Spot-kicks required in Qatar
- South Americans hold their nerve
WHAT HAPPENED? A thrilling contest in Qatar went all the way after a 3-3 draw. Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria put the Albiceleste on their way, before their talismanic captain netted again in extra-time, but Kylian Mbappe hit a hat-trick for Les Bleus. Emiliano Martinez was the hero again for Argentina in a shootout, as he forced two misses from France, and Montiel smashed home the winning effort.
ARGENTINA HAVE WON THE WORLD CUP!!
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 18, 2022
Look at these scenes. They've done it. #BBCWorldCup #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/caFYhmWO0a
ARGENTINA WINS THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP 🇦🇷
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
THE GREATEST MEN'S FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL OF ALL TIME pic.twitter.com/xp1N6DkLjA
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Martinez saved from Kingsley Coman, while Aurelien Tchouameni fired his effort wide of the target, and Argentina held their nerve to convert all four of their spot-kicks.
WHAT NEXT? Argentina have won their first World Cup since 1986, when Diego Maradona skippered them to glory, with Messi handed the perfect send-off in his final international appearance.