Argentina win World Cup on penalties after instant classic final against France

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    Argentina have beaten France in the World Cup final on penalties after one of the greatest matches in football history.

    Lionel Messi gave his nation the lead from the spot before Angel Di Maria scored a second in the first half. A quickfire Kylian Mbappe double, including a penalty and a sublime volley, levelled the scores with 10 minutes to go, though.

    It was yet again Messi who popped up in the right place at the right time to edge Argentina ahead in extra-time. But France were awarded another penalty which Mbappe converted once more to take it to penalties.

    As they did in normal time, both star men found the back of the net with the shootout attempts. But Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni missed their spot kicks, which cost France the trophy.

    Argentina dominated the opening 45 minutes, with the defending champions overrun in midfield. Referee Szymon Marciniak pointed to the spot when Ousmane Dembele brought down Di Maria.

    Messi sent Hugo Lloris the wrong way to open the scoring. And Di Maria finished off a lovely flowing team move to send the South Americans into the break two to the good.

    But Didier Deschamps substitutions changed the flow of the game. Mbappe got one back and in the blink of the eye, it was all square after he volleyed past Emi Martinez.

    It swung back in Argentina's favour after Messi scored again in the 108th minute, tapping home a rebound. But Mbappe's second penalty and hat-trick goal two minutes from time levelled it at 3-3.

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    • Lionel Messi
    • World Cup
    • Breaking News

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