Lionel Messi is the best player in the world. He didn't have a World Cup title in his trophy case. His last chance to win the World Cup is this one.
Lusail is where the final is taking place. The World Cup final has some of the best moments.
KylianMbappe takes France's first shot. The World Cup final is more than three quarters of the way done.
In the 71st minute Mbappé takes the FIRST shot of the game for France 😬 pic.twitter.com/qrj0N2Pnt7
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
What is it that it means? The fans made it clear when Messi and Di Maria arrived.
Huge celebrations were sparked by Argentina's two first-half goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria.
The second half has been similar to the first with Argentina dominating possession and France struggling to slow the game down. There was a moment of panic when he leaped off his line to clear the ball, but luckily for him, it didn't ping anywhere that would have allowed France to shoot at him.
There's a heavy tackle on Rodrigo De Paul, who's been brilliant in the Argentina middle of the field.
It's been a long time since we've seen a World Cup final like this, but so far so good for Messi and his team. They've attacked, defended and taken Kylian Mbappe out of the game to the extent that France's coach made two substitution before the half-time break in a bid to save the game.
Will the second Argentina goal make a difference when it comes to the future of the game? Argentina had 6 shots to zero in the first half. Their performance in the first half felt right.
Teams leading by multiple goals at halftime of men's World Cup KO stage games are 25-0-0 👀 pic.twitter.com/dk6eyjlyXD
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 18, 2022
Is there a way for France to win again? The subs were added to give Les Bleus more control in the middle of the field and more pace out wide, as well as pushing Kylian Mbappe into a more central attacking role where he can hopefully get more possession and more opportunities. He has no choice but to do it. You need to wait four years for a chance to redeem yourself in the World Cup final.
Angel Di Maria, who was a surprise starter for Argentina, has given them a 2-0 lead in the World Cup final. In a brilliant counter-attack from one end of the pitch to the other, Messi, Allister, and Di Maria combine, and Di Maria is there to receive the final pass, take a touch, and put the ball past Lloris.
Les Bleus have not looked like the defending champion in this competition, but have always been lucky in the knockout stages. Argentina and Messi don't seem to be in a bad mood.
OH MY WHAT A GOAL 😱
2-0 ARGENTINA 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/rBH0HSCyFJ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
With that penalty, the legendary No. 10 becomes the first men's player to score in all four knockout rounds of a World Cup.
Argentina won a penalty after Ousmane Dembele tripped Angel Di Maria after he made his way into the box from the left flank. Messi calmly sent Lloris the wrong way with a low sidefooted effort after the referee pointed to the spot.
It is possible that Messi's 12th goal at a World Cup final is the most important one. They will need more goals.
MESSI PUTS ARGENTINA OUT IN FRONT 🎯🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/kZkUvRUXC9
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
France's Paul Pogba, who has been out with a thigh injury, is in the stands with Zlatan Ibrahimovi.
Pogba and Zlatan at the #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/rMp4M9BGXu
— GQ Sports (@GQSports) December 18, 2022
Another spell of Argentina pressure ends in frustration as a low cross from the right is missed by Messi and makes its way to Di Maria on the left side of the box who blasts it into the crowd. Les Bleus responded with a spell of pressure and got a free kick in a dangerous spot to the left of the goal. There are two defenders in front of the ball.
We had our first big opportunity of the day in the 11th minute, as France's nerves continued to show. A clever approach play by Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria resulted in a clear shot for Rodrigo De Paul, whose low shot was not able to get a corner.
Lloris was taken to the hospital after the hit. The same club that Lloris plays for has a different player. After some time on the ground, Lloris is able to return to his feet.
The teams are playing in the biggest game in the world's biggest sport with national pride on the line and both are showing that raw energy. Ousmane Dembele miscontrols an easy pass and Dayot Upamecano puts an elbow into Lionel Messi as the pair challenge for a head in the first minute. It is not something Messi should be doing as he is 6 inches shorter than the France defender.
France looked nervous and gave Argentina a couple of early chances, but nothing that Lloris couldn't handle.
You would have to give the edge to Argentina based on how ferocious the players were in singing the anthem. France was singing clearly but not overextending even as the song reached its rousing climax. The defending champion was very businesslike.
Lionel Messi has set a record for the most appearances in the men's tournament by a single player. Will it be the one in which he finally gets to hold the trophy that he's been to 26 times?
#Qatar2022
🫡 Te seguimos, capitán 🔟 pic.twitter.com/uFafuDmoAm
— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) December 18, 2022
The entire France squad is fit and eligible for selection after a scare in which several players were sick. The same team that started the quarterfinals against England has been named again, with Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot returning. The 20th World Cup final appearance for Hugo Lloris is a record for his position.
La Feuille de match et la compo des Argentins 👊#ARGFRA #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/OfUxvYJaNs
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) December 18, 2022
Angel Di Maria is back in the Argentina squad. Di Maria hasn't featured much since the group stages, and will coach Lionel Scaloni be praised and hated for the move?
Only eight countries have ever won the men's World Cup, and Argentina and France are two of them. Brazil's status as the most successful team in the competition's history with five wins will not change regardless of who wins.
Argentina lost in the first final in 1930. The Albiceleste won it on home soil in 1978 and 1986, inspired by Diego Maradona, but lost in the final in 1990 and 2014).
France have won the World Cup three times in the last 25 years. After winning the trophy as hosts in 1998, they were back in 2006 but lost on penalties to Italy. They have the chance to become the first team since 1962 to retain the title if they beat Croatia in the playoffs.
This is only the fourth time these two sides have met in a World Cup. Argentina won their first title in 1978 with a 2-1 win in the final after they had won the first game in the series.
The last time they met was at the World Cup. The game between France and Russia in the round of 16 was very exciting. Angel Di Maria and Benjamin Pavard each scored one of the top goals of the tournament after Kylian Mbappe won a penalty and then scored two himself. There are some highlights that are worth watching. We are hoping for a repeat at Lusail today.
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