World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi leads Argentina to historic victory in greatest EVER final

Argentina claimed victory in an incredible World Cup final that saw the teams separated by a penalty shootout.

Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive penalty after a 3-3 draw after extra time.

Argentina raced into a two-goal lead after Lionel Messi opened the scoring, before Angel Di Maria added to their lead with a beautifully worked goal.

Argentina players celebrate their World Cup final penalty shootout success.
PAUL CHILDS

France appeared galvanised in the second half, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a late quick-fire double that forced the game into extra time.

In an end-to-end extra time period, Lionel Messi scored his second of the contest, tapping home to make it 3-2 to Argentina in a moment that looked to be decisive.

France, however, had other ideas, earning a penalty through a Leandro Paredes handball late on which allowed Kylian Mbappe to complete a hat-trick.

Lionel Messi has now won two major trophies at senior international level.
MOLLY DARLINGTON

The PSG forward put in a scintillating performance as he continues his staggering young career, scoring in yet another World Cup final.

The 23-year-old has history in this department, scoring for France in the 2018 World Cup final against Croatia.

His club teammate Lionel Messi will be the one to grab the headlines, as Argentina won the ensuing penalty shootout 4-2.

Argentina's success is Lionel Messi's first in the tournament, with the 35-year-old finally bringing home the trophy that has eluded him throughout his career.

Messi, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, has previously faced criticism over his perceived lack of success at international level.

The legendary striker has finally put those demons to bed by following up a 2021 Copa America success with the greatest footballing prize of them all.