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FIFA World Cup presentation ceremony in pictures: Argentina clinches title, Messi wins Golden Ball

Here are the best moments from the fifa world cup presentation ceremony as argentina beat france and lifted the trophy to end a 36-year wait..

Published : Dec 19, 2022 01:20 IST

The wait ends: Argentina beat France 4-2 in penalty shootout to clinch the World Cup title. PHOTO: Reuters

Let that sink in: Messi, the golden ball winner, kisses the World cup trophy while walking off to pose with his individual achievement award. PHOTO: AP

End of the GOAT debate?: Lionel Messi became the first ever player to win the Golden Ball twice, having won the first won in 2014.

Eyes on the prize: Emiliano Martinez poses with the World Cup with his daughter, Ava. PHOTO: AP

You can’t do that Emi: Emiliano Martinez lets his wild side out after receiving the Golden Glove award. The Aston Villa keeper put in an ever important save in the dying minutes of extra-time. PHOTO: Reuters

Greatness in the reckoning: Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez was adjudged the World Cup 2022 Young Player of the Tournament. PHOTO: Reuters

Agony: A dejected Kylian Mbappe walks past the World Cup trophy after getting his Golden Boot award. The 23-year-old scored eight goals this tournament, including a hat-trick in the final. PHOTO: Getty Images

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‘Absolutely grim’: Iconic Messi moment ‘ruined’ by ‘bizarre’ World Cup move

This was Lionel Messi’s moment . At least it was supposed to be.

But the football world claimed it was spoiled after the Argentina superstar was forced to wear a black robe during the trophy presentation.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has not been a stranger to controversy during this year’s World Cup, was also criticised for not giving Messi his time in the spotlight.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS

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Messi’s Argentina won a thrilling World Cup in the early hours of Monday morning [AEDT], with the 35-year-old scoring twice and converting his penalty in a shoot-out win over France.

It was a particularly important moment in Messi’s career, finally adding the World Cup to his accomplished resume that includes seven Ballon D’ors and four Champions League trophies.

So, naturally, the football world wanted to see Messi soak up every minute of it, given the chance to celebrate both by himself and with his teammates.

Messi eventually got the chance to do that, although when he initially walked onto the stage to collect the trophy, he was instead given a black robe (a Bisht) by the Emir of Qatar.

It meant that when Messi went over with the trophy to enjoy the moment with his teammates, his Argentina jersey was covered, with some claiming it spoiled what would have been an iconic photo.

SAYS IT ALL: Incredible photo sums up utter World Cup devastation

‘ GREATEST OF ALL TIME’: How football world reacted to ‘crazy’ final

‘HOLY HELL’: Football world in awe as ‘exceptional’ star’s sublime goal

FIFA president Infantino, meanwhile, also took his time to get out of the shot when many viewers at home simply just wanted to see Messi and his teammates take it all in.

“Great pictures from above and great pictures from inside the ground as Argentina win the World Cup for the third time and first since 1986 they also of course won it in 1978 in their own country,” Gary Lineker said on BBC.

“This is a magic moment it’s a shame in a way they’ve covered up Messi in his Argentina shirt.”

“It’s just why? No reason to,” added former Argentina international Pablo Zabaleta.

There was plenty of reaction on social media too, with suggestions the photo opportunity in the black robe was yet another PR stunt for Qatar.

Argentina wins World Cup on penalty kicks over France

A World Cup final for the ages delivered a crowning glory for soccer icon Lionel Messi on Sunday as Argentina beat reigning men's champion France on penalty kicks.

One of the most dramatic major sporting events in history had the teams tied 3-3 after extra time, with the French ultimately missing twice in the shootout before Gonzalo Montiel converted to seal an exhausting and emotional victory.

Argentina had dominated the bulk of the match, leading 2-0 with just about 10 minutes to go, but France burst into life with star forward Kylian Mbappé scoring twice in as many minutes. Both sides traded missed chances and then late goals again in the 30 minutes of extra time before the tension of penalty kicks.

The game capped a month of sporting drama and geopolitical controversy in Qatar. The tournament featured surprise results and fairy-tale runs , but the final had two giants of the game compete for the title — headlined by a pair of stars.

The speedy and skillful Mbappé solidified his claim as the young pretender to Messi’s throne, scoring a hat trick as France came so close to being the first team to go back to back since Brazil in 1962.

But ultimately, it was Messi, 35, who took the glory, securing the trophy that cements his status as perhaps the game's greatest ever player by sealing a third title for his soccer-mad country.

Afterward, he said he isn’t through.

“I’m not retiring from the national team. I want to continue playing as a champion,” Messi said in a Spanish-language  interview with TyC Sports  after the final. “It’s the most beautiful thing there is.”

Follow our live coverage here.

What to know about the World Cup final

• Argentina wins on penalty kicks after a dramatic final ended 3-3 in extra time.
• France scored twice in 90 seconds late in the game to stun Argentina and tie the final.
• Argentina led 2-0 at the half thanks to goals from Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi.
• Sunday's final took place in Lusail, a city fast-tracked into existence for the World Cup, which has been clouded by criticism of host Qatar's human rights record , as well as the environmental and financial cost of the tournament.

Photo: Lionel Messi holds the trophy

Golden Ball awarded to Lionel Messi

David K. Li

Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball, recognizing him as the tournament's most outstanding player.

Moments after being given the honor, Messi kissed the World Cup.

The resume is complete: Messi has his World Cup trophy

Teammates mobbed the great Lionel Messi moments after the winning kick, knowing he can no longer be dogged by the one trophy not on his mantle.

Despite being a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and a member of 10 Spanish League championship teams and four UEFA Champions League-winning sides, fans back home in Argentina had long held that missing World Cup trophy against him.

Argentina won last year's Copa America , but fans weren't satisfied until Sunday, when Messi's side won the sport's ultimate prize.

ARGENTINA WINS THE WORLD CUP

Gonzalo Montiel converts his penalty, and a dramatic final is won by Lionel Messi and his team!

FRANCE SCORES

Randal Kolo Muani ensures this isn't over just yet.

ARGENTINA SCORES

Leandro Paredes makes it 3-1. One away ...

FRANCE MISSES

Aurelien Tchouameni hits it wide, and France has missed 2 out of 3!

Photos: Fans watch as World Cup heads to penalty shootout

It's advantage Argentina! Paulo Dybala scores.

FRANCE MISSES!!

Kingsley Coman has his penalty saved by Emi Martinez!

MESSI SCORES! IT'S 1-1

We are tied on penalty kicks after 1 each.

Mbappé Scores! 1-0 TO FRANCE

Messi next ...

Kylian Mbappé to take first

He's scored two penalties already. Can he again?

Mbappé only second player to hat trick in World Cup final

Doha Madani

France's Kylian Mbappé is the first player in more than 50 years to score three goals in a World Cup final.

Mbappé, 23, scored two back-to-back goals at 80 minutes to tie the game after an early deficit for France. HE once again saved Les Bleus’ chances with a penalty kick goal.

England's Geoff Hurst was previously the only player to ever score a hat trick in a World Cup final. He was 24 when he made history against West Germany in 1966.

World Cup to be won on penalties

The 2022 World Cup final will be decided on penalty kicks after Argentina and France could not be separated at the end of extra time.

The shootout will bring back bitter memories for French fans, as the last World Cup to be decided by penalties was France's 2006 loss to Italy. Argentina may have a slight edge, having just won a quarterfinal in a shootout against the Netherlands.

Both teams have scored penalties in the game, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the decisive shootout.

Both teams miss huge chances to win it

First Argentina goalie Emi Martinez thwarts France with an incredible save, then Argentina pours forward and Lautaro Martinez heads wide.

One final twist?

We have three more minutes of a truly stunning final. Can someone win it before penalty kicks?

The NFL must go on as scheduled

English-language viewers in the U.S. will probably have to change channels if they want to see the World Cup trophy presentation.

With 1 p.m. ET NFL kickoffs approaching, postmatch action from Qatar will likely shift from Fox to Fox Sports 1.

It's 3-3. Kylian Mbappé scores again and we are tied!

The French forward sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and has a hat trick in the World Cup final.

PENALTY TO FRANCE

The drama isn't over ... it's a handball.

GOAL ARGENTINA

Lionel Messi has the ball in the net, and Argentina's players go wild.

There were suggestions of a potential offside in the buildup, but the goal stands, and Argentina leads this dramatic World Cup final 3-2 with 10 minutes of extra time to go.

Argentina misses chances

Argentina came close with a flurry of chances to end the first period of extra time.

Substitute forward Lautaro Martinez was twice played in behind the French line but missed thanks to a combination of desperate defending and wayward finishing.

The weekend of comebacks: Vikings and Les Bleus

The Minnesota Vikings scored the greatest comeback in NFL history on Saturday, and now France is on the verge of another historic rally.

The comparison wasn't lost on American sports fans.

Penalty kicks will follow if no winner after extra time

France and Argentina will be given two additional halves of 15 minutes to decide this final, and the match would go to penalty kicks if there's no winner after that.

The last World Cup final decided by a shootout was in 2006, when France lost to Italy.

Extra time underway

As if 90 minutes wasn't exhausting enough ... we're back underway for 30 more.

Messi almost wins it at the death

Messi may be 35, but he still has enough left in the tank to come oh so close to glory in the dying moments.

After consistent French pressure, a rare Argentina attack in the 96th minute saw the ball fall to Messi in a central position about 25 yards out. He struck a fierce shot that was just a little too close to French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who parried it away to ensure we would head to extra time.

90 minutes not enough to crown World Cup winner

France and Argentina are headed for at least 30 more minutes of play with the score tied, 2-2.

Extra time in the World Cup final is far from uncommon, as Germany needed more than 90 minutes to defeat Argentina, 1-0, for the 2014 crown in Brazil. Mario Götze scored in the 114th minute for the Germans.

Photos: Kylian Mbappé's  back-to-back goals

8 minutes of added time

The officials have added eight minutes on at the end here.

Is there time for one last dramatic twist, or are we heading for an extra 30?

Argentina gives up lead, echoing mistakes in Netherlands game

Soccer fans are in disbelief as France rallied from 2-0 goal deficit with back-to-back goals from Kylian Mbappé at about 80 minutes of play.

Argentina is echoing mistakes it made in the game against the Netherlands earlier in the tournament. The Dutch team equalized the game with two late goals in the quarterfinal. Argentina scraped a win on penalty kicks to advance to the semifinals.

France's comeback was unlikely after it had given up so much of the momentum to Argentina early in the game, but clearly not impossible.

Incredible. Kylian Mbappé has scored again, a second goal in two minutes.

A remarkable turnaround from the reigning champs, barely threatening for 80 minutes but bursting into life to level the final and stun Argentina.

It's 2-1 with 10 minutes to go after Kylian Mbappé converts the penalty kick.

Hugo Lloris staying busy, keeping France's slim hopes alive

Lloris, the French captain, has made four saves for Les Bleus, limiting what could be an even more one-sided match.

On the other side of the pitch, Argentina's Emiliano Martínez has not yet needed to stop an on-target French shot.

France has a golden chance to get back in the final!

Nicolas Otamendi brought down Randal Kolo Muani inside the area, and after failing to threaten for 80 minutes, the holders have a chance.

France finally takes a shot on goal after an hour of play

Kylian Mbappé took the first shot on goal for France at the 70-minute mark of Sunday's final match.

Les Bleus are being devastated by the Argentine team, which has taken nine shots on goal and leads 2-0. It's been an abysmal attempt to keep the title of reigning champions by France despite a strong defense and a lineup of stars.

Hugo Lloris making two big plays to keep match within sight

Julián Álvarez's left-footed blast from a short angle was saved nicely by Hugo Lloris in the 59th minute.

Then, moments later, Lloris made a desperate sliding clearance to keep the ball away from Alexis Mac Allister and what could have been another goal for Argentina.

Argentina eases its attack, plays keepaway from France

In a big shift in tactics, Argentina came into the second half taking its time as it looks to secure its lead without exhausting its players.

The team came back after the break and appeared to be slowing down the pace of play. With a 2-0 lead, Argentina is looking to keep possession away from France but without the pressure it previously applied.

France had to come back with a more aggressive offensive than it applied at the beginning of the match. All eyes were on Kylian Mbappé, France’s 23-year-old superstar.

But Mbappé hasn't shown the powerhouse attacks that have made him a French favorite.

France not making much headway into Argentina defense

Twelve minutes into the second half, Les Bleus have barely made a dent into Argentina's stout defense.

Argentina still holds a solid advantage in possession, holding on to the ball 47% of the time, compared to France's 37%.

This 2-0 deficit is looking more mountainous by the moment.

Was it a penalty kick? Referee's call draws scrutiny

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak wasted no time pointing to the spot when Angel Di Maria went down under the challenge of Ousmane Dembele midway through the half.

There appeared to be minimal contact, but the Video Assistant Referee saw nothing worthy of overturning the call. It will be scrutinized long after the game is over, but France has failed to perform regardless of the merits of the decision.

Second half underway

Argentina is 45 minutes, and maybe a few more, from glory.

France needs to turn things around to overcome the 2-goal hole it's left itself in.

France, down 2-0 at halftime, looking for a Swiss miracle

Only one team has ever rallied from a two-goal deficit in World Cup final history, and that was staged by a country that's no longer on the map.

In a match known as the "Miracle of Bern," Hungary scored twice in the first eight minutes before West Germany came back for a 3-2 victory in the 1954 final played in the Swiss capital.

France's mountain will be much more steep that West Germany's in "Das Wunder von Bern" as the underdogs responded immediately with two goals that had the match tied at halftime.

Helmut Rahn scored the winne r in the 84th minute.

A goal fit for the final

Argentina's second was a thrilling goal that saw them sweep forward at pace, exposing France's defense with pinpoint passes from Messi and others.

The inclusion of Angel Di Maria for Argentina was a slight surprise, but he won the penalty and then converted the second to justify coach Lionel Scaloni's big call.

Reigning champs outplayed

Though France came in as the World Cup's reigning champions, they failed to show up in the first half against Argentina.

The French team has shown a strong defense throughout the tournament and sought to pick its moments to attack. But cracks showed in the goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, and with the defense under pressure France's attack has failed to fire.

Argentina has 6 shots to 0 from Les Bleus, who will have to come out of halftime with a more aggressive game if they plan to overcome the deficit.

Struggling France makes early subs

France has barely had a kick so far, and now coach Didier Deschamps has made a pair of changes just before half time.

Center forward Olivier Giroud and wide forward Ousmane Dembele have been replaced by Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani, who scored in the semi final.

It's surprisingly early to make drastic changes but France needs to shift things, and there were reports of players being struck by a cold virus and some injuries in the past week.

Argentina fans overjoyed as team leads first half 2-0

Argentina fans in Qatar and around the world are besides themselves after a surprise goal from Angel Di Maria offers the team a deeper advantage before the conclusion of the first half.

France is being dominated offensively as Argentina attempts to take their title as reigning champions.

GOAL FOR ARGENTINA

Argentina burst through the French defense with a sweeping move on the counterattack and Angel Di Maria lifts his finish past helpless French goalie Hugo Lloris to double his side's lead.

Another free kick for France

France was awarded a second free kick after Argentina fouled Olivier Giroud as he approached the goal.

It's the second free kick where France failed to score in the first half hour of the game.

Messi sends the goalie the wrong way and puts Argentina 1-0 up in the World Cup final.

Penalty to Argentina

Argentina has a penalty after Angel Di Maria was tripped inside the box by a French defender. A chance for Lionel Messi to give his team the lead...

France fails to take lead with free kick

France squandered the opportunity to take the advantage early on after being given a free kick just before the match hit the 20 minute mark.

The kick, taken by Antoine Griezmann, sailed toward Argentina's box where Olivier Giroud attempted to assist the ball into the net.

Unfortunately for the French, the bail sailed well over the net.

Photos: Fans gather in Paris and Buenos Aires

Roars all around the fan zones in Doha

Elizabeth Kuhr

Mithil Aggarwal

DOHA, Qatar — Hundreds of roaring fans took to the jam-packed fan zones across Doha as an alternative to the main stadium.

Ahmed Eid, 22, who is Saudi Arabian, said he was rooting for Argentina. "Because Messi. I love Messi," he said.

Another Argentian fan Daniela Tabia, 35, cried as the national anthem played moments before kickoff. "Soccer unites the people," Tabia, who is Cuban-Columbian told NBC News.

Argentina starts on the front foot

Argentina has applied pressure to the reigning champions early on in the final.

The team has already has a couple attempts on France's goal in the first 15 minutes of the gave, failing to score.

Messi led his team into the box for one failed shot on goal, but France's defense has proved hard to break down through the tournament

Argentina earned its first corner kick at about 10 minutes, however. It was taken by Messi and led to chaos in front of the goal that saw Hugo Lloris, the French goalie, go down as he got hit in the stomach while players scrambled.

Will Mbappé repeat Pelé's run?

The golden name in French soccer, forward striker Kylian Mbappé, will attempt to emulate the success of the Brazilian superstar Pelé today.

In 2018, Mbappe joined Pelé to be the only teenagers ever to score a goal at a world cup final. His stunning performance led France to its ultimate victory.

On Sunday, he goes up against his club teammate and Argentian captain, Lionel Messi, to secure his first two world cups, back-to-back, just like Pelé.

Elon Musk seen at FIFA World Cup Final

Elon Musk, Tesla CEO and the new owner of Twitter, was seen at Lusail Stadium in Qatar attending the final.

Musk has been making headlines over his recent changes to Twitter policies, including suspending accounts of multiple journalists who cover him. He recently changed Twitter's terms and conditions to ban accounts who track the locations of private airplanes. He justified the decision by citing safety concerns.

Some Twitter users joked the risk of posting Musk's attendance at the World Cup for fear he might ban accounts for sharing his real-time location . The new Twitter policies don't ban users from posting their own location, which Musk did shortly after others noted his appearance at the game.

Americans in Paris cheer for France

PARIS, France — Minneapolis resident Casie Budolfson, 47, who was on a holiday with her 13-year-old son Rylan, was cheering for France.

"We’re gonna support France since we’re in Paris," she said, adding the French team was stronger.

“I think we should have more world sports events like this because everybody seems to put aside all their worries and watch the games,” said Budolfson. "Everyone just comes together," she added.

Final reminder: Here's how to watch the World Cup final

U.S. TV viewers can watch the Argentina-France match on their local Fox or Telemundo stations, for English and Spanish broadcasts, respectively.

Fox and Peacock will also stream the title match with kickoff at 10 a.m. EST from Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

"The party is going to be here," French fans cheer in Paris

PARIS, France — French fans from all across the country have flocked sports bars in Paris, as a celebratory festive mood takes over the streets before the big match kicks off.

"The party is going to be here, it’s going to be better," Lucas Yocom, 21, who came with his three friends from Vosges in northeastern France, told NBC News, adding that there was "no chance" for Argentina to win.“They have just Messi; we have a good team. A very good team. Everyone on the team,” he said.

The lineups are in

Here are how the teams line up for the World Cup final.

The headlines appear to be the return of experienced midfielder Angel Di Maria for Argentina, an attacking addition, and the return of Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot from illness for France.

Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi.

France: Hugo Lloris; Jules Koundé, Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antoine Griezmann, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud.

The last time they met

Today's finalists also clashed in Russia in 2018.

A topsy-turvy game in the final 16 of that tournament saw France win 4-3. This Argentina side is much improved, however, and both teams play a style that may mean we're in for a lower scoring affair this time.

Messi's grand finale

This is not just a final between Argentina and France, it's also a tussle with history for Lionel Messi.

Argentina's legendary forward will try, one last time, to clinch what would be both his first and final World Cup at the age of 35.

With over 750 goals for club and country, Messi is already in the pantheon of soccer greats. He's scored five goals so far in Qatar, putting in his best performance on the global stage, and is now hoping to lead his country to its first title since 1986.

Can Messi win his first World Cup? France’s Mbappé stands in the way

The first half of france's bid for back-to-back world cups.

France is back Sunday to defend its crown after beating Croatia 4-2 in the final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

That tournament marked the emergence of Kylian Mbappé, who was just 19 at the time. He became the only teen after the Brazilian superstar Pelé to score a goal in the World Cup final.

France's other scorers that day were Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann. Pogba missed this tournament through injury but Griezmann has been a key player in the French run, working tirelessly and allowing Mbappé to focus on terrifying opposition defenses.

U.S. envoy to U.N. talks sports and diplomacy

Meagan Fitzgerald

DOHA, Qatar — The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told NBC News ahead of the final that major sporting events like the World Cup can help fuel progress and smooth diplomacy.

Host Qatar has faced criticism over its human rights record, but Thomas-Greenfield said “we hope we can influence those countries to make changes to accept people who are different...and you can’t do that if you’re not talking to them. If you’re not engaging. That’s what diplomacy is about.”

Scenes from the stadium

The huge environmental cost of the Qatar World Cup

Armelle De Oliveira

Patrick Smith Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Air conditioning in huge open-air stadiums, hundreds of international flights, lots and lots of lights. 

More than a million people have traveled to Qatar for one of the planet’s biggest sporting events. But as it hosts the soccer World Cup, controversy is also descending on the tiny Gulf kingdom.

Alongside concerns over human rights, anti-LGBTQ laws and the treatment of migrant workers — issues that have dogged the tournament for years — critics say Qatar 2022 will be one of the most environmentally damaging of modern times.

Read the full story here.

All France wants for Christmas...

A World Cup in winter may feel strange, but fans taking part in the traditional Christmas bath in Nice this morning appear to have made a virtue out of it.

The song that's become the anthem for Argentina's run

Associated Press

If you've watched an Argentina game this World Cup, you've heard it.

Fans clad in blue-and-white have belted it out in the stands, on the streets of Doha and back home in South America. The team has joined in after games both on the field and in videos from the locker room.

"Muchachos,” which was written by a fan, includes references to soccer greats Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. It also knocks rival Brazil and pays homage to the Argentine soldiers who fought in the Falklands war against Britain.

“Guys, now we’re getting our hopes up again, I want to win the third one, I want to be a world champion,” says the chorus of the song you'll surely be hearing again once the game begins.

Morocco’s surprise World Cup run rallied a legion of Arab fans

Morocco won't be in today's big game, but the team's fairytale run to the semi finals will go down as one of the stories of this World Cup.

Led by coach Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions beat Belgium, Spain and Portugal thanks to a style that combined stout defense with daring counterattacks.

Morocco lost to France in the semi finals, but not before they sealed their place in soccer folklore as the first African and Arab team to reach that stage. The run was backed by a legion of loud and proud fans in Qatar and beyond.

Why Qatar may see the World Cup as a win despite the criticism

Alexander Smith

Qatar’s World Cup appeared to be a public relations disaster.

The event has become a magnifying glass for the tiny petrostate’s human rights record, highlighting rather than airbrushing its treatment of LGBTQ people, women and migrant workers. On the field, the Qatari national team’s performances earned it the sorry record of being the worst showing by a host nation in the competition’s 92-year history.

But for this gas-rich Gulf peninsula, the real spoils of this tournament may be found elsewhere: satisfied visitors, business deals and international recognition that could lead to greater national security.

How they made the final

France qualified easily from the group stage and beat Poland in the first knockout round, before squeezing past England in the quarter final. Surprise package Morocco, the tournament's Cindarella team, were waiting in the semi final but Les Bleus advanced thanks to an early goal from defender Theo Hernández and a late second from young substitute Randal Kolo Muani.

Argentina opened its campaign with a shock defeat to unfancied Saudi Arabia but still recovered to top its group. A narrow win over Australia was followed by a tense penalty shoot-out victory over the Netherlands, which had knocked out Team USA a round prior. Messi then led a comfortable semi final win over Croatia. which had knocked out favorites Brazil a round earlier.

Bronze goes to...

It's the game nobody really wants to play in or let's face it, watch. But the 3rd place playoff gives the losing semifinalists a chance to exit on a high despite their disappointment at missing out on the big game.

On Saturday Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 to seal 3rd place, following their loss to France in the final in Russia in 2018.

A final for the ages

France, winners of soccer’s most coveted trophy in 1998 and 2018, is seeking to become the first team to win back-to-back men's World Cup titles since Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962.

On the other side Argentina is hoping to capture the country’s first World Cup title since the 1986 tournament, best known for a quarterfinal victory over England that featured legend Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal.

Les Bleus against La Albiceleste. Kylian Mbappé against Lionel Messi. 

Follow our coverage here through kick off at 10 a.m. ET and beyond.

Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her.

Senior Breaking News Reporter

Max Burman is deputy editor in the London bureau of NBC News Digital.

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Live updates | Argentina wins World Cup final against France

Argentina players celebrate winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec.18, 2022. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Argentina’s Lionel Messi holds up the trophy after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec.18, 2022. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Argentina’s Lionel Messi lifts the trophy after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. Argentina won 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended tied 3-3. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

France’s Kylian Mbappe the Golden Boot award for top goalscorer of the tournament after the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec.18, 2022. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates his side’s first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his side’s first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Players of Argentina celebrate with Angel Di Maria after he scored his side’s second goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

The flags of Argentina and France hang from the roof of the stadium ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Fireworks go off on the pitch ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

France’s President Emmanuel Macron, center, gestures as he arrives on the tribune ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Swedish soccer player Zlatan Ibrahimovic, left, shakes hands with France’s President Emmanuel Macron gestures on the tribune ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Entertainers perform during the tournament closing ceremony prior to the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Argentinian fans cheer before the the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

A fan of France cheers prior to the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

The FIFA World Cup trophy is displayed prior to the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

A flypast of takes place over the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, where the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France is going to be played on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

Argentine soccer fans gather at the Obelisk landmark during a rally in support of the national soccer team, a day ahead of the World Cup final against France, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Argentina’s Angel Di Maria celebrates scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

An Argentinian places a poster of their star player Lionel Messi’s before the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Artists perform during the closing ceremony ahead of the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

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LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — The Latest from the World Cup final between Argentina and France:

Lionel Messi has scored his second goal of the match to put Argentina ahead 3-2. Messi scored at close range in the second period of extra time.

Argentina’s fans are trying to re-energize their team by singing their World Cup anthem “Muchachos” at high volume. The official attendance figure at Lusail Stadium is 88,966 and there is no doubt the Argentines are in the majority. But the French fans, quiet for most of the match when Argentina was ahead, are now making themselves heard as well.

The World Cup final is heading into extra time with Argentina and France level at 2-2. Two goals by Kylian Mbappé toward the end of the second half have put the defending champions back in the game.

Kylian Mbappé has made it 2-2. Just one minute after scoring on the penalty the France forward strikes again, on a volley.

Kylian Mbappé has scored on a penalty kick for France. Argentina is still in the lead 2-1.

The second half of the final at Lusail Stadium has begun.

Argentina has a 2-0 lead against France at half-time in the World Cup final after goals by Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria.

Messi scored on a 23rd-minute penalty kick after a foul on Di Maria. Thirteen minutes later Di Maria finished off a flowing team move involving a deft flick from Messi.

Messi now has 12 World Cup goals — the same as Brazil great Pelé — and is the first player to score in the group stage and every round of the knockout stage in a single edition of the tournament.

Angel Di Maria has made it 2-0 for Argentina in the World Cup final.

Lionel Messi has scored on a penalty to make it 1-0 for Argentina against France. It was Messi’s 12th World Cup goal.

Lionel Messi is making a record 26th appearance at the World Cup, breaking a tie with Germany great Lothar Matthäus.

Messi’s games have been spread over five World Cups, starting in 2006. He has 11 goals in total, tied for sixth in the all-time list.

Messi has said this is likely to be his last World Cup.

The 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and defending champion France has started.

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived at Lusail stadium for the World Cup final.

About 45 minutes before kickoff, Macron was chatting in the VVIP section with Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović, who played for four seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, and France midfielder Paul Pogba, who has had to watch the entire World Cup from the sidelines due to an injury.

Pogba scored in the final when France won the 2018 World Cup but was not fit for selection at this tournament.

Macron also attended the final four years ago, when France beat Croatia 4-2, and later celebrated with players in the locker room.

The closing ceremony for the World Cup featured artists from around the world performing songs from the official soundtrack of the tournament in Qatar.

The performers at Lusail stadium included Nigerian singer Davido and Qatari-based songwriter Aisha, Congolese artist Gims and Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Ozuna.

The show, featuring fireworks and a light show, was meant to celebrate the world coming together for the monthlong tournament in the Gulf emirate.

Lionel Messi will lead an Argentina team containing Angel Di Maria, who starts for the first time since sustaining a foot injury against Poland in the final round of group games.

Di Maria takes the place of Leandro Paredes in midfield as Argentina again rolls out a 4-4-2 formation, with Messi one of the two forwards. Nicolas Tagliafico is preferred to Marcos Acuña at left back.

Kylian Mbappé starts up front for France alongside Olivier Giroud, who has overcome a minor knee injury. Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot come in for Ibrahima Konaté and Youssouf Fofana, respectively.

The lineups for the World Cup final:

Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi.

France: Hugo Lloris; Jules Koundé, Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antoine Griezmann, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud.

Blue, white and red face paint is being applied and Champagne is on ice as France collectively crosses fingers and toes in hopes that Les Bleus will win their third World Cup title by beating Argentina.

French TV carried live images of the France team leaving its hotel in Qatar en route for the championship match and of the players arriving at the stadium. Among them, a smiling Kylian Mbappé looked particularly relaxed.

In Paris, the Metro operator marked the momentous occasion by temporarily renaming one of its stations, changing the stop “Argentina” to “Argentina-France, let’s go les Bleus!”

Players past and present sent messages of support.

“Playing a World Cup final is a childhood dream. Let’s go and get this third star! Allez les Bleus!” Zinedine Zidane posted on Instagram.

Striker Karim Benzema, the Ballon d’Or winner who missed this World Cup with a torn left-thigh muscle, posted: “The hour is come. All together. Let’s go.”

World Cup final referee Szymon Marciniak is the first from Poland to handle the title game.

Marciniak, 41, missed working at the European Championship last year due to a heart problem.

“Only I and my team know how difficult of a time it was for me,” Marciniak said of his Tachycardia illness from which he has now recovered.

Marciniak has refereed both finalists already in Qatar. He handled France’s 2-1 win over Denmark in Group D and Argentina’s 2-1 win against Australia in the round of 16.

One of his assistants in the final is following in his father’s touchline steps. Tomasz Listkiewicz will hold a flag as an assistant running the line just as his father Michal did at the 1990 final in Rome, when defending champion Argentina lost 1-0 to West Germany.

The World Cup champions will earn $42 million in prize money for their soccer federation while the losing team in the final will get $30 million from a FIFA prize fund of $440 million.

Not all the money goes to players, but they are expected to get a good chunk of it. France players such as Kylian Mbappé are in line to be paid a bonus of 554,000 euros ($586,000) by their federation for winning the final, French sports daily L’Equipe reported.

Third-place team Croatia earned $27 million in prize money and Morocco, which ended up in fourth, will be paid $25 million.

Argentines woke up ready to watch the national team play for its third World Cup title amid a national feeling of unity and joy that is rare for a country that has been engulfed in an economic crisis for years and has one of the worst inflation rates in the world.

Argentina will face France in the final in Qatar and fan Guillermo Ortiz says “the whole city is dressed with the flag.”

Argentina last reached the World Cup final in 2014 but lost to Germany. Everyone in the country agrees the sense of anticipation and excitement for this year’s game is far higher than it ever was for that match in Brazil.

It’s now or never for Lionel Messi.

The Argentina superstar’s once-in-a-generation career will be defined — for many — by whether he leads his country to the World Cup title.

Can he finally, at the age of 35, win soccer’s biggest prize to secure his place alongside Pelé and Diego Maradona in the pantheon of the game’s greatest ever players?

Standing in his way is France, the defending champion, and Kylian Mbappé, the player best positioned to take over from Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as soccer’s marquee name.

That’s if he hasn’t already.

Argentina arguably has the World Cup’s most fervent fans.

They are known for their rhythmical singing, incessant drumming and trance-like ferocity, and the country’s history of success at the World Cup is rivaled by few.

Argentina won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986 and lost in the final three times. This fervor will only grow as Lionel Messi leads Argentina against defending champion France in the final in Qatar.

Argentines take pride in the intensity and they are proud to be known for it around the world. They care deeply about soccer and they are among the best in the world at it.

AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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FIFA World Cup 2022

Finally. lionel messi leads argentina over france to win a world cup championship..

Russell Lewis

Lionel Messi of Argentina scores the team's first goal from the penalty spot during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. Catherine Ivill/Getty Images hide caption

Lionel Messi of Argentina scores the team's first goal from the penalty spot during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.

AL DAAYEN, Qatar — The 2022 World Cup started terribly for Argentina. The shocking opening loss to Saudi Arabia - and the whispers began immediately.

Is this it?

Will Lionel Messi end his glorious career without winning a World Cup?

The statistics were clear. Losing the first game in group play makes it almost impossible to advance to the knockout round. Not only would Argentina advance, it won the group and kept winning and never stopped.

Now, with a 3-3 (4-2 penalty kick shootout) victory over defending champion France, Lionel Messi can call himself a World Cup champion in what was probably his final World Cup match. It's Argentina's third title and those early whispers have been replaced by tears and cheers.

La última copa/The Last Cup

Lionel messi is looking to win a world cup — and acceptance from argentina.

Argentina started the match against France with aggressiveness and relentless attacks. The French, who looked so dominant all tournament, struggled to find their rhythm, cohesion and energy it had showcased in Qatar.

Lionel Messi has been living in a soccer god's shadow. Will he finally surpass him?

The Argentina attack paid off midway through the first half. Argentina forward Ángel Di María scooted past France's Ousmane Dembélé who tripped him in the box and won a penalty kick.

There was no doubt who would take it. Lionel Messi, playing in his 26th World Cup game (the most ever in the men's tournament), walked up to the penalty spot, 12 yards from the French keeper. With a deep breath and calm strike , he powered it low and to the right. 1-0.

With the goal, Messi became the first man to score in every game of a World Cup knockout round in a single tournament (round of 16, quarterfinal, semifinal and final).

Argentina's midfielder #11 Angel Di Maria celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022. Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Argentina's midfielder #11 Angel Di Maria celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022.

The South Americans were not done. In the 36th minute, Argentina managed to dissect the French defense across midfield. With just two crisp passes, it was Di María creating the chances, again , streaking into the box with a shot lifted above diving French keeper Hugo Lloris. 2-0.

After the goal, Di María trotted back to the Argentina side of the field, wiping away tears.

France looked out of sorts. Coach Didier Deschamps did the unthinkable - replaced two of his starters in the first half: Dembélé (whose foul led to the first goal) and all-time French scoring leader Olivier Giroud.

At halftime, defending-champion France looked shocked. The French star, Kylian Mbappé, had little to show in the first 45-minutes of the match.

France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe and Argentina's midfielder #24 Enzo Fernandez fight for the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football final match between Argentina and France on December 18, 2022. Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe and Argentina's midfielder #24 Enzo Fernandez fight for the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football final match between Argentina and France on December 18, 2022.

Mbappé shined during the 2018 World Cup as a 19-year-old. The comparisons were many to another teenager with a stellar soccer pedigree: Pelé. (In 2018, Mbappé became the first teenager to score at a World Cup final since Pelé in 1958). At the 2022 tournament, Mbappé picked up where he left off.

He set another World Cup record — surpassing Pelé's record for a player under 24 with his 12 total goals. Mbappé scored eight goals in Qatar - entering the final tied with Messi with the overall goal lead. But against Argentina, Mbappé had been largely silenced. Which is saying something. His first recorded shot came in the 71st minute.

The nearly 89,000 people inside Lusail Stadium were overwhelmingly for Argentina - most wearing the team's trademark white and sky blue uniform. It was electric. They cheered every touch, every pass and every shot.

But in the 80th minute, Mbappé sliced the Argentina lead in half with a penalty shot to make it 2-1. All match long, France had been muted. Quiet. Unsure. But then the game's energy changed as France showed some life.

Then, 93 seconds later, unbelievably Mbappé did it again . He evened the score with a blistering right-footed shot beyond the Argentinian keeper Emiliano Martínez. 2-2.

Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. Catherine Ivill/Getty Images hide caption

Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.

This is the French team everyone expected to see in the championship. It was finally Messi vs. Mbappé. The 35-year-old, one of the finest to ever play the game, against the 23-year-old, who continues to add to his impressive soccer pedigree.

The teams played nine more minutes in regulation - and eight more in stoppage time. Neither would score - forcing 30-minutes of extra time.

Argentina had been here before. It lost in the 2014 World Cup final when Germany scored in extra time and won 1-0.

This time it would be Argentina which scored in extra time. And was there ever any doubt who would knock it in? Lionel Messi, of course. The ball ricocheting in front of the French goal and Messi booting it in. In the 109th minute. His second goal of the evening. 3-2.

Of course that score wouldn't hold. A handling call inside the Argentine box led to another penalty kick attempt for France. And of course it would be Mbappé. And of course he scored in the 118th minute. A hat trick for the young French star. 3-3.

Both sides battled in the waning minutes. But it would come down to a penalty kick shootout to end what will likely go down as the best World Cup final in history.

Argentina got the early advantage. After penalty kicks scored by Mbappé and Messi, the Argentina keeper stopped the attempt by France's Kingsley Coman. Then, Aurélien Tchouaméni missed his attempt. It came down to Argentina's Gonzalo Montiel who scored the winning penalty kick. Tears and hugs and smiles for Messi and all of Argentina, really.

It had not been since 1986 when Argentina last won a World Cup carried by Diego Maradona - the man whose shadow has loomed large over Messi.

The 2022 World Cup belongs to Argentina. It's Argentina's third title and the first for Lionel Messi. The first time he can call himself a World Cup champion. It was his last chance. Now his resume is full.

Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner's Trophy during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. Julian Finney/Getty Images hide caption

Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner's Trophy during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.

Tom Goldman contributed reporting from Al Daayen, Qatar, and Russell Lewis reported from Birmingham, Ala.

• Lionel Messi
• 2022 World Cup
• Kylian Mbappé

What is a bisht and why was Messi wearing it at the World Cup?

The emir of Qatar put a bisht on Argentina captain Messi during the World Cup closing ceremony.

At the World Cup trophy presentation after Argentina’s win over France in the final on Sunday, Lionel Messi was offered a bisht, a traditional Arab cloak, to wear by the emir of Qatar.

Messi allowed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to place the robe on his shoulders before taking the World Cup trophy from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and lifting it in front of his ecstatic teammates.

Keep reading

Photos: messi and argentina lift world cup after win over france, france fans hail mbappe’s dazzling world cup final performance, messi says he will not retire from argentinian national team, tears of relief and joy as messi lifts world cup for argentina, what is a bisht.

The bisht is a long cloak made out of light, often sheer, material with trimming made out of real gold that is worn over a white thobe.

Primarily worn in the Gulf, it is a garment that has been worn for centuries during special occasions. It is viewed as a sign of appreciation and respect and is typically worn by top officials such as politicians, sheikhs and other high-status individuals.

What is special about the bisht?

Mustafa Baig, a lecturer in Islamic studies at the University of Exeter, told the dpa news agency that the bisht is a formal robe worn by royalty, dignitaries, grooms on their wedding day, and graduates at graduation ceremonies.

“So only a select few people would actually wear the bisht,” he said. “They basically honoured him [Messi] by putting it over his shoulders. It’s like a mark of honour, and just kind of a cultural welcoming and a cultural acceptance.”

Baig said it is also representative of Qatar’s national dress – but only on important occasions.

“And this is a top occasion. I mean, there’s probably no bigger occasion, so they put it on him as a mark of honour,” he said.

Baig said he saw it as “an embrace by Messi of the local culture”, adding that it was “a pretty cool thing” for Qatar to do and “smart thinking” on their behalf.

What did the organisers say?

Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of Qatar’s World Cup organising committee, said: “It is a dress for an official occasion and worn for celebrations. This was a celebration of Messi.

“The World Cup had the opportunity to showcase to the world our Arab and Muslim culture. This was not about Qatar, it was a regional celebration.”

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What channel is the World Cup trophy ceremony on? How to watch as Fox broadcast switches to NFL

Argentina has been crowned as champion of the 2022 World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout win over France and will be awarded the trophy as the winner of soccer's most prestigious event. 

Many around the world will be wanting to watch the trophy ceremony. Because of a quirk in the broadcasting schedule, viewers in the U.S. will have to switch channels in order to do that.

Here's a breakdown of how to watch the World Cup trophy presentation:

MORE:  Watch every World Cup match live with fuboTV (U.S.-only free trial)

What channel is the World Cup trophy ceremony on?

• TV channel:  FS1
• Live stream (English):  fuboTV , FoxSports.com, Fox Sports app
• Live stream (Spanish):  fuboTV ,   Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Peacock

The World Cup trophy ceremony will air on FS1 after the France vs. Argentina game ends. FS1 is an affiliate of Fox — which aired the entire World Cup Final — and has broadcast numerous games during the 2022 World Cup.

A live stream of the trophy presentation will be available in both English and Spanish on fuboTV,  which offers a free trial for new users . The other primary streaming options for this contest are through the Fox Sports app or FoxSports.com.

Viewers can stream Telemundo's Spanish broadcast of the trophy ceremony with  fuboTV , Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, or Peacock.

Why isn't Fox airing the World Cup trophy ceremony?

Fox isn't airing the World Cup trophy ceremony because the final went to extra time and then a penalty shootout. It's Sunday, so Fox is pivoting to its usual coverage of the NFL — starting with an abbreviated version of its usual pregame show.

As such, the World Cup final will end and Fox will go straight to its pregame show as it transitions into the 1 p.m. ET window of NFL games. And because of that, FS1 will pick up where Fox's World Cup broadcast left off during the trophy presentation.

Jacob Camenker is a senior content producer at The Sporting News.

Argentina vs France summary: trophy presentation, score, goals, highlights | Qatar World Cup 2022 final

Argentina vs France: as it happened

WORLD CUP 2022

Who is Antonia Farías, the woman who hugged Lionel Messi after he won the 2022 World Cup?

Meet Antonia Farías, the woman who effusively hugged the PSG star after Argentina’s triumph and who was mistaken for his mother.

World Cup 2030: Saudi Arabia’s massive bid with Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

So 2022 is over, and 2026 is in the US, Canada and Mexico... but where will we be heading in 2030? Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may be backing a Saudi Arabia World Cup 2030 bid!

“Messi’s goal in extra time was illegal” - controversy in Argentina-France aftermath

The 2022 World Cup final was a classic, with Lionel Scaloni’s men prevailing after a dramatic penalty shootout, but a controversy has arisen in France.

Should Messi's extra-time goal have been disallowed?

Which World Cup has had the most goals scored?

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar ended on Sunday adding six goals to the competition’s total, but how does that compare to other FIFA editions?

Ronaldo congratulates Lionel Messi for 2022 World Cup win

Ronaldo Nazario, two-time FIFA World Champion, was quick to send congratulations after Argentina’s triumph in Qatar.

How Scaloni won World Cup with Messi plea in 2016

The Argentina coach couldn’t control his emotions on Sunday as he and his team lifted the 2022 World Cup, but the success stems back to an earlier action.

Argentina: 2022 World Champions

Messi reveals plans to play on for Argentina

Lionel Messi could have retired from Argentina duty after getting his hands on the World Cup, but he revealed he intends to play on.

Argentina shirts sell out after World Cup triumph

Any fans looking to get their hands on an Argentina shirt as a memento of the World Cup triumph may be disappointed as many Adidas websites are totally sold out of both the home and away jerseys. Ongoing supply chain issues and massive demand have contributed to the situation where fans across the planet are having to go without their replica shirts.

Leo Messi wins 2022 World Cup Golden Ball award

Messi becomes the first player ever to win the Fifa World Cup Golden Ball award

Argentina: 2022 World Cup winners!

Neymar and Lebron hail Messi

Sporting greats have been quick to pay tribute to Argentina and Leo Messi in particular with Neymar congratulating his 'brother' and LeBron paying homage to the GOAT

Ok, signing off.

Thank you to everyone who has accompanied me and the rest of the team at AS USA for the coverage of the Qatar World Cup 2022 . It has been a pleasure to provide you with information - and hopefully entertainment - during the past 4 weeks. 

The football was fantastic, the final might be the best ever and what a way to finish: with Messi lifting the World Cup for Argentina .

Thank you again and make sure to head on over to en.as.com for all the latest news in sport and beyond!

Here's Joe's team of the tournament - do you agree?

ATT - Messi (     ​​​​​)

ATT - Mbappé (     )

ATT - Griezmann (     )

MID - ​​​ Amrabat (     )

MID - Modric (     )

MID - Enzo Fernández  (     )

MID - Bellingham (no flag)

DEF - Gvardiol (     )

DEF - Rodri (     )

DEF - Hakimi (     ​​​​​​)

GK- Martínez (     ​​​​​​​)

Kun Agüero was never going to miss this!

He's still a huge part of the team, clearly so loved by the players.

Another Messi photo...

I'm not going to stop any time soon!

Messi lifts the World Cup / KAI PFAFFENBACH / REUTERS

Messi lifts the World Cup

Here's the trophy lift .  ​​​​​​​

What a moment in football history.

Barcelona recognise their greatest ever player

"For us you will always be the best"

Messi lifts the World Cup trophy / DYLAN MARTINEZ / REUTERS

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France

Here is the image that football has waited so, so long to see!

ARGENTINA ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS FOR THE THIRD TIME

LIONEL MESSI LIFTS THE WORLD CUP FOR ARGENTINA!!!!!!!

            ​​​​​​​

And now it is Lionel Messi's turn to receive his World Cup winners' medal

No waiting from Acuña, who is straight up after Di María, almost causing a logistical nightmare for the man in a suit and no socks. 

The players are up, one by one, to collect their medals. 

Now it's time for the World Cup winners...

Deschamps is stood there like an angry parent whose child has come home late. He's waiting on Mbappé, who is nearly held in a headlock by the President of France. 

Now it's time for the French players to receive their medals...

The Argentinians give them a guard of honour.

Les Bleus stop on the podium for a photo organised by a man in a suit with trainers and no socks, but they just want to get home. 

Messi kisses the World Cup trophy in a moment that will be carved into history.

The winner of the best player of the tournament.... LIONEL MESSI​​​​​​​

The golden boot award for the top scorer, with 8 goals ... KYLIAN MBAPPÉ

​​​​​​​He poses for the photo, looking like he wants to smash the camera, the trophy and the stadium to pieces.

Goalkeeper of the tournament goes to.... DIBU MARTÍNEZ

​​​​​​​ who also gets told off for standing in the wrong place.​​​​​

    ​​​​​​​

Young player of the tournament... ENZO FERNÁNDEZ

​​​​​​​He gets a bit lost on the stage, taking the wrong turn on the big 8. 

The stage is a massive 8 shape, the logo of the World Cup, but at this scale it looks like a Mario Kart racetrack. 

The referees are up first... a gold whistle* for each of them. For being the best referees. 

*it's a medal, really.

The medals are carried out on dinner trays, by people in airplane staff outfits. FIFA really going hard on the Qatar airways theme, I see.

Now Infantino is here along with his friend, the Emir of Qatar

Messi majestic as Montiel spot-kick wins the World Cup: Argentina player ratings...

While we wait for the presentation to begin, here's Paul's player ratings, that he definitely didn't have to change at the last minute. Twice.

As per in Qatar 2022, we have a light show first.

The trophy/medal presentation is about to begin...

Montiel scores the winning penalty in the World Cup final / CARL RECINE / REUTERS

The moment Argentina became World Champions

Lloris was sent the wrong way by Montiel, who scored the 4th penalty for Argentina, which was enough to see them win.

The stage is being prepared on the pitch for the trophy lift...

We've been working hard like this for four years. It's difficult to explain how I feel, I just think of my family. We are so proud. This feeling is never going to sink in. Leandro Paredes , Argentina

There's nothing more beautiful than this, with my family here. I will never forget it.  Enzo Fernández , Argentina

The South American players are jumping, dancing, singing with the fans, who are adoring every moment. 

Mbappé is being consoled by Dibu Martínez and Macron, the French President. He's ignoring both of them, staring into the distance. When France came alive, Mbappé was the star. He took on the pressure and brought his team into the game, forcing problems for Argentina until the very end. What a star. 

Despite everything, we arrived here today calm, you could see it. But if you don't suffer, it's not worth anything. The first half was very good, the second not so much, but we always came through it. This is for Argentina, for everyone who supports us. Nico Tagliafico , Argentina

Muchaaachooossss... sing it!

What an achievement for the whole team. 

Great scenes as Scaloni is in tears, hugged tightly by Di María.

It was a game we had controlled, two mistakes gave them a draw. We go 3-2 up, they get one back, then they almost get two more. Thank God for this, I have no words. I dedicate this to my family. Emi Martínez , Argentina Goalkeeper

The greatest of all time

There was never really a debate...

They have finally done it; Messi has finally done it. On penalties, after the maddest final in modern football, Argentina ended a wait they had kept up since 1986. They have overcome heartbreak from 1990 and 2014, putting to bed the ghosts that have haunted the country since the days of Diego Maradona. 

Messi waves to the fans, tears in his eyes, he will finally have his moment with the World Cup trophy. 

THE PLAYERS RUN OFF IN TEARS

ARGENTINA HAVE WON THE WORLD CUP IN THE CRAZIEST FINAL YOU WILL EVER SEE.

MESSI IS WORLD CHAMPION

ARGENTINA ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!

ARGENTINA WIN THE WORLD CUP!!!!!!

MONTIEL SCORES!!!!!!!!!!!!

IF MONTIEL SCORES, THEY WIN THE WORLD CUP

This has to go in... 

SCORES!!!!!!!!

Paredes now...

WIDE!!!! HE MISSES!

Dibu kicks the ball away

Tchouameni...

SAVED!!!!!!!

DIBU TO THE RESCUE

GOAL! ONLY JUST!

Messi next...

Mbappé is first.

And France will shoot first!

The kicks will be taken in front of the Argentina fans...

Team talks complete...

Here we go...

What a crazy, crazy game of football. I can't even begin to process it.

I want to drink water, but I'm shaking so much I know I will just spill it all over myself. 

PENALTIES WILL DECIDE THE WORLD CUP FINAL WINNER

Mbappé almost gets a chance!!! He slides past 3 players but gets tackled inside the box!!!!!

ARGENTINA ATTACK!!! 

DIBU WHAT A SAVE 

I cannot keep up. Kolo Muani smacks a shot low and hard but somehow Dibu Martinez grows into a green giant and saves!!!!

LAUTARO ONE ON ONE! 

Argentina win a throw near the France goal. They play the ball all the way to the defence. 

France press, smelling blood.

Disasi on for Koundé

Dybala on for Tagliafico

3 minutes added.

SO CLOSE!!! THAT WAS THE CHANCE TO WIN!! KOLO MUANI ALMOST MAKES THE HEADER!! ​​​​​​​MARTINEZ HAD NO CHANCE

France now launch a counter attack...

ARGENTINA COME SO CLOSE!

Acuña wins a corner... into the final minute

Argentina attack... cut out 

MBAPPE SENDS MARTINEZ THE WRONG WAY TO DRAW LEVEL

IT IS 3-3!!!!

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS GAME

GOOOOOAAAAALALLLLLLL ESXRDCTFVGYHESXRDCFTGVHESRDCFTGVYHBJDRFCTGVHBJCFTGVHBJKEXSRDFCTGHBJESXRDCFTGVHBJK

Mbappé steps up...

YES! PENALTY FOR FRANCE!!!!!!!!

HANDBALL! IS IT A PENALTY for FRANCE???

Mac Allister off for Pezzella

Corner for France, good work by Konaté.

Cleared away... for now

Paredes is booked for the tackle.

Free kick for France near the halfway line.

Now there's a fight, after Camavinga is fouled by Paredes...

Argentina hold the ball in the corner, some great timewasting here. 

Konaté on, Varane off

Varane is on the floor, he can't continue. 

Now France go again on the offensive, like before. 

Ok, I'll explain. Lautaro was played through on the right channel and he hit a shot that Lloris saved. It looked initially offside but he was just OK, by inches.

Messi got on the end of the rebound and although the defender cleared off the line, the referee's goal-line technology gave the goal!

​​​​​​​MESSI MAY HAVE WON HIS TEAM THE WORLD CUP.

IT LOOKED LIKE IT DIDN'T GO OVER THE LINE... BUT THE REFEREE GIVES THE GOAL.

MESSI GOT ON THE END OF THE SAVE FROM LLORIS AFTER LAUTARO'S SHOT!

MESSI MESSI MESSI MESSI MESSI

GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL 

GOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL ARGENTINA ARGENTINA ARGENTINA

Save from Lloris!

​​​​​​​ Messi had a shot from distance but it was a comfortable stop from the goalkeeper.

Argentina attack down the left before switching play to the right.

The cross comes in from Montiel but it is high above the heads of everyone.

And we're back underway again, again, again! 

The final 15 minutes of the World Cup final.

Argentina 2-2 France

Half time of extra time!

​​​​​​​Argentina 2-2 France

Now for always exciting on-pitch team talks . An underrated part of football.

LAUTARO MISSES AGAIN!!!

​​​​​​​ONE ON ONE, HE SAYS IT DEFLECTED. SHOT PUT WIDE.

1 added minute. Corner cleared. 

DOUBLE CHANCE FOR ARGENTINA!!!!

​​​​​​​LAUTARO MISSES FROM 12 YARDS OUT BEFORE VARANE HEADS OVER THE VOLLEY THAT CAME AFTER. CORNER!

Paredes has slot himself in between the two centre-backs in an attempt to help with build up and aid in keeping people back in case of Kylian Mbappé.

Acuña whacks a shot high and wide . Koundé kept with him to defend well. 

De Paul and Álvarez OFF

Lautaro and Paredes ON

Despite the result and the nerves and everything else, the Argentinian fans continue to sing like crazy. Fair play to them, it's been a great atmosphere.

Offside given after a few French crosses are hooked into the box. Argentina are given a breather...

Corner for France, Messi headed out of play.

Kolo Muani tries to be Mbappe but gets tackled on the edge of the box.

Mbappe takes the ball and does his best impression of, well, himself, jinxing past two challenges. 

Coman crosses, Romero heads away. Both teams finding space in the wide areas.

Chance for Argentina!

A cross from Acuña almost finds the heads of three players, before it gets cleared.

Mbappé called offside after finding space behind Romero, who looks to have fouled the striker in the build up.

Camavinga is a lovely player, he moves like he's gliding down a bowling alley. 

A couple of attempted attacks from each side that all break down instantly. Nerves everywhere.

Now it's Argentina who can't keep the ball. De Paul plays a nervous pass forward and Upamecano gets in the way to win back possession. 

Attack from Argentina...

Cut out by Camavinga, who tackles Messi on the edge of the box. 

Mac Allister hits a bouncing ball towards Lloris but it deflects wide after hitting his teammate. 

Argentina win another free kick, wide on the right, after Thuram clashes with Montiel.

Foul on De Paul by Rabiot. It's been a great mini battle between those two.

Well, here we go again, again!

Montiel is coming on for Argentina. Molina out.

I'm shaking. What a game of football. France have grown 600 sizes and look deadlier than ever , but Argentina are still finding spaces behind their defence. 

FULL TIME!!!

​​​​​​​Extra time coming up!

Attack for Argentina! I can't take this!

The ball bounces just too high for Messi, who fails to control it. 

France launch a counter attack but the referee blows it back for a foul by Acuña. What a favour the referee did there, Mbappé was waiting to be released...

Messi fired a bullet from the central space and Lloris got a strong hand to it. Corner

LLORIS SAVE FROM MESSI

WHAT A SAVE 

​​​​​​​WHAT A SAVE 

Now Argentina attack!! Cleared away by Rabiot.

Mbappe nearly gets away!! He gives the ball to Kolo Muani who is one on one but trips over the ball

MARTINEZ SAVES!!! ARGENTINA ARE ON THE ROPES. 

​​​​​​​Great from Coman to get down the left side. Martínez did well to save the cross from going anywhere dangerous.

CHANCE FOR MBAPPÉ. SHOOTS OVER. 

Camavinga and Thuram have given this team a new energy.

Corner for France...

The cross is cleared. 

Free kick for France, 35 yards out, after a foul on Thuram.

The Argentina fans continue to sing as their team launches an attack down the left, which rolls out of play.

8 added minutes.

Into the last minute.

France attacking again...

Mbappé has 7 goals in 7 games now. 

​​​​​​​Rabiot is down holding his neck.

France with another dangerous attack but it looks like the referee got the call right. It was Thuram booked, not Camavinga. 

PENALTY SHOUT FOR FRANCE!!!!!

Thuram booked instead.

Good bye match report! Goodbye player ratings! Nobody dares do anything!

France look like the most dangerous side the world has ever seen! 

I don't know what minute it is, nor where I am anymore... but I can't take my eyes off this game. 

France attack again...

KOLO MUANI ALMOST CONNECTS WITH A HEADER

The game is broken.

France attack, then Argentina, then France again.

Unbelievable. What a turnaround. 

Argentina haven't even collapsed, but FRANCE ARE JUST NOT ABLE TO BE KILLED.

MBAPPE PLAYS A ONE TWO WITH THURAM ON THE EDGE OF THE BOX AND HE SLAMS THE VOLLEY INTO THE FAR CORNER 

​​​​​​​I HAVE NO WORDS. 

2-2!!!!!!!!!!

MBAPPE SCORES

NO WAY 

MBAPPE HAS SCORED

Madre mía, that came from nothing...

Now France are on the attack!

​​​​​​​Mbappé sends the penalty low to the left and Martínez can't stop it despite diving the right way!

​​​​​​​GAME ON!

MBAPPE SCORES THE PENALTY

A clear foul from Otamendi, who scrambled back to chase Kolo Muani...

Mbappe to take

OTAMENDI FOULED KOLO MUANI 

YELLOW CARD

OH MY! PENALTY FOR FRANCE!!!!!!

It's Argentina who are now playing France at their own game , waiting like patient alligators before snapping forward in a counter attack.

France look lost . They are absolutely shocked to the bones in this game by Argentina's intensity and confidence. Nobody had been able to match them until today, but boy, how Messi and co. have battered them to a pulp.

Tchouaméni slams into Romero. Ouch.

Camavinga is at left-back.

SAVE FROM LLORIS!

Messi squirms as Messi does before laying off Enzo, whose shot from the edge of the box is saved.

​​​​​​​The confidence Argentina are showing is radiating from their shirts.

Theo and Griezmann OFF ​​​​​​​ Coman and Camavinga ON

Mbappé has a shot! 

He skips inside the box before launching a frustrated effort above the bar.

The fourth official holds up the subs board, expecting the changes to be allowed by the referee, who waves to play on.

The referee equivalent of going to shake someone's hand who gives you a fist bump.

France are preparing more changes...

A now-or-never dice roll from Deschamps.

Kolo Muani connects, making that France's first shot of the game.

A dodgy clearance from Otamendi spins high and over his goal. Corner for France.

France with some possession at the back, trying to work it through Argentina's wall.

How does Messi do it? And by 'it', I mean everything. 

​​​​​​​ He took the long way round the defender when playing a one-two with Mac Allister, but still managed to make it before his opponent.

Ángel Di María OFF

He might have just won his country a World Cup.

Marcos 'The Egg' Acuña ON

HUGE CHANCE FOR ARGENTINA!!! SAVED!!

Wow! Messi slides a pass to Julián who lays off Mac Allister, bursting through the middle.  ​​​​​​​Hugo Lloris comes to the rescue, clattering the ball away.

9 shots for Argentina, 5 on target.

0 for France.

The stadium is one huge party, right now. They haven't stopped singing all game. 

CHANCE FOR MESSI. GREAT WORK BY DI MARÍA AGAIN.

Koundé is having a horror show against Di María. ​​​​​​​ The winger hit a cross from the left, Messi connected but his shot went wide.

Chance for Álvarez!

Messi slipped a pass through the French defence and boy wonder  Julián took a big touch to the left before firing a low shot that hit the side netting. 

A frustrated Mbappé fouls pantomime villain, De Paul. 

Kolo Muani with nice footwork on the right side. 

Tackled instantly after. 

De Paul, now back on his feet, is having a word with the offender, Rabiot. I bet he's not saying very nice things. 

Rabiot booked for a scissor challenge on De Paul . An orange card for me, that one.

De Paul is still on the ground. 

BIG MISTAKE FROM EMI MARTINEZ!

France almost have a chance to score from the halfway line after a bad clearance from Dibu, but since nothing is going well for France , they mess up the chance.

Messi takes his time before whipping a corner to the front post , again . I think I've found something he can't do!

That is a joke.

Corner for Argentina, won by De Paul.

Cleared. Argentina counter.

Theo accidentally lets the ball run out and it's a throw for la Albiceleste  ​​​​​​​near the corner flag.

A 'chance' (it wasn't really) for France, but it was the best they've had. Mbappé on the right side wins a corner, but it was excellently defended.

A quick break down the left gets switched to the other side:  De Paul leaps acrobatically, but his shot is saved.

CHANCE FOR ARGENTINA!

DE PAUL VOLLEY - SAVED!

The Argentina press is shattering the game for France, they can't build up at all...

Dibu Martínez grabs onto the ball and holds onto it. I'm not sure he knows what it looks like, he's seen it so little since the game started.

Mac Allister goes close!!!

Lloris got out well to catch the ball that was chipped through a gap in the defence; the Brighton man was through on his own.

And Argentina attack immediately...

Here we go again! Messi kicks us off for the second half. 

Argentina      2-0     ​​​​​​​France

The players are back out on the pitch!

The last time a World Cup final was 2-0 at half time was France vs Brazil in 1998;  Les Bleus went on to win 3-0.

It is going to take a lot for France to get back into today's final, Argentina have them beat in every area of the pitch.

Iker Casillas is on the pitch, showing everyone the World Cup trophy. It's incredibly shiny.

Sofascore's HT ratings:

I'm going to furiously email and ask why Di María hasn't got an 11 out of 10 for that performance.

Need I say anything?

He had a fantastic half, and even got involved in the defending!

Argentina      2-0      ​​​​​​​ France

What a performance from Argentina!

That was brilliant from the South American side, and Di María in particular.  ​​​​​​​They absolutely bossed France, who haven't had a sniff at goal. Mbappé has been silenced, as has Griezmann and nothing says desperate from Deschamps like those two early substitutions to mix things up. 

Let's see how they get on in the second half, but if it is anything like the first, where Argentina have dominated in possession, territory and threat, then France could be in for an even worse evening.  

How do you say debacle in French?

Close! Nobody arrives but it looked like it was whipped in dangerously.

Free kick for Griezmann to cross in...

Enzo booked for being a pest.

Last minute of the half.

France try to break away with Kolo Muani, but he's fouled.

I haven't said much about the added time but it's because Argentina just keep kicking the ball out for throw ins. 

Deschamps has got a very angry face on right now. 

Thuram shows his teammates that if you run with the ball, it goes closer to goal. Some of his friends then try it, but they run into the defenders instead of around them.

France have not had a single chance all half.  Super impressive from Argentina in all areas.

Thuram, by virtue of being a busy body, manages to find some space down the left. His cross is blocked.

7 minutes added.

Messi absolutely fires himself back to defend as France get a few yards closer to goal, tackling Kolo Muani . Could be the biggest cheer of the night, that.

We're into the last minute of the half, and France have had their longest sequence of possession so far , about 90 seconds.

Di María, again with space on the righ t , works it well but Koundé sees it out for a goal kick. 

Wow, that is bold from Deschamps, who is obviously not happy. 

That's the most obvious thing I've ever said in my life.

SUBS FOR FRANCE!

Dembélé and Giroud OFF!

Kolo Muani and Thuram on. 

Koundé fouls Di María, who has been utterly superb all half. 

5 to go until half time. 

Argentina have bossed this game. They've seen France want to give them the initiative, well they've taken it and have shoved it down their throats!

France look shellshocked! This atmosphere is like the most daunting away game on the planet!

If the Lusail Stadium bounces any more, it will end up in the Gulf!

A PERFECT COUNTER ATTACK

Messi flicks to Julián, who plays it to Mac Allister. The Brighton midfielder burns down the right channel on his own before laying off a perfect pass to Ángel Di María who scores his first goal of the World Cup

 ÁNGEL DI MARÍAAAAAAAAAAAAA PUTS ARGENTINA 2-0 UP IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL ARGENTINA ARGENTINA ARGENTINA 

5 shots for the South Americans so far, 2 on target. Nil poi for France.

France just haven't got going so far. Argentina seem to have them at arm's length. 

We know what that means.

Messi goes on that run inside from the right, scaring every soul in France except Upamecano, who challenges well.

Uff, lovely from De Paul , who looks as though he is about to give up possession but instead flicks it to Messi, completing a lovely one-two. Argentina turning on the style against France's press.

The ball is opened to Di María, but his cross is too high for Julián Álvarez, who is not 8 metres tall, and it flies out of play.

The Argentinian  muchachos song rings around the ground. Now that's a tune, never mind the official anthem.

He's back on and immediately forces a corner. Quite good, isn't he.

He's back on now. All good. 

Messi has come off as it was a head injury. 

Messi is holding his face after that . Seems to have taken a knock. For now, he looks OK. 

Cleared away. Messi fouled in the process and the referee has blown for a free kick to Argentina. Theo clashed with him as they challenged for the ball.

Free kick for France, 40 yards out. Griezmann to cross in from the right.

Di María , despite the doubts that surrounded his inclusion, has been the difference-maker so far. He wormed past his marker then like, well, Messi.

The stadium is rocking on all four sides. What a fantastic atmosphere.

Back underway.

Argentina 1-0 France 

Di María made a great run from the left side into the box and Dembélé tripped him from behind. The referee didn't hesitate to blow his whistle. 

Argentina have started the better side and now it's up to France to get themselves back into the game. 

HE SENDS LLORIS THE WRONG WAY, PUTTING THE BALL TO THE BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER.

THE STADIUM HAS JUST ERUPTED

MESSI PUTS ARGENTINA AHEAD IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL!!!!!!!!!!

Penalty confirmed, Messi to take... 

DEMBELE FOULED DI MARIA

PENALTY TO ARGENTINA!!!!!

How does Messi take so many steps in such little time? It's like watching a millipede run.

GIROUD JUST OVER THE BAR!!!

​​​​​​​I swear these French players read this feed and decide to attack just as I say they're being quiet. 

There you go, again! Theo bursts down the left wing and De Paul brings him down in a dangerous area out wide. Free kick.

France, apart from that half-half-chance from Mbappé , which wasn't even that, have had pretty much nothing to show for so far. 

But we know what that means. Watch out for them.

​​​​​​​Messi finds De Paul down the right who puts the ball back across goal. Di María arrives inside the box but he hits it with his right foot and the ball flies over the bar.

Over 50% of possession for Argentina, who are passing it around the back, looking for gaps in the French block. 

Messi almost slips in Di María!

Ah, offside. Good work nevertheless from Koundé to spot the pass. 

There we go. France spring into action as Mbappé links up with Rabiot on the edge of the box. Argentina defended well.

So far,  Argentina have had the better possession , but those pesky French rattlesnakes know where to hide before they pounce. 

A lovely ball from Messi out wide to Di María causes some trouble for the France defence, but Tchouaméni covers well.

We're back underway. 

Lloris is sat on the pitch, taking a minute to get his breath back. Signals he's OK to continue. 

Lloris is down after being shoved by Romero in the corner mosh pit. 

The corner is poor from Messi . It falls to De Paul who whips a cross in, but the mess of bodies in the box causes the referee to blow his whistle. 

CHANCE FOR DE PAUL!! CORNER!

​​​​​​​He had the ball on the edge of the box and struck a shot that deflected wide.

Di María breaks away down the left but Dembélé tracks back well

France have had a few passes from the back intercepted by the Argentinian midfielders in the opening minutes . Scaloni's team are pressing well.

It's a nervous start from everyone, with lots of frantic pressing from both sides.

Messi penalised for a foul on Theo.

Mac Allister finds space on the edge of the box and hits a shot. Lloris saves easily.

Di María has started on the left and is up against Koundé. He looks very lively. 

Messi fouled by Upamecano after they both jumped for a header. 

FIRST CHANCE OF THE GAME FOR ARGENTINA!!

​​​​​​​De Paul chips over for Álvarez but he misses the ball. Offside.

Ooohh! Dibu Martínez takes a while to kick the ball away and Griezmann nearly caught him out!

First foul of thr game from De Paul on Rabiot.

France are pressing very high up the pitch in a 4-3-3 as Argentina play around at the back.

Tchouameni immediately fires a long ball towards the left corner and it's a throw for Argentina.

The World Cup final has begun!

Griezmann kicks us off from right to left.

Here are the lineups:

France XI: Lloris; Koundé, Varane, Upamecano, T.Hernandez; Griezmann, Tchouaméni, Rabiot; O.Dembélé, Mbappé, Giroud.

Argentina XI: Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Di María, De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez.

We are ready to go!

Argentina in their home shirt, white shorts and white socks; France in dark blue from head to toe.

Here they come! The two squads are lined up, waiting for the national anthems.

Argentina first, and it is absolutely belted out by the majority of the stadium. And Messi, who screamed it.

Now for France, a very happy tune as well. Well sung by all, albeit a bit quieter than the 40,000 Argentina fans, as you might expect.

The players are in the tunnel. Serious faces all round.

The World Cup final is about to begin!

        ​​​​​​​

The pre-match light show is underway!

Yes, the huge World Cup is there, don't worry.

One for the France fans...

Here's a great stat to give you pre-match confidence ahead of the game!

French president Macron in the house

French president Emmanuel Macron ready for the final against Argentina , with his wife Brigette alongside him. 

Team warm ups are over!

Both sides have retreated to the dressing rooms and are now having their final team talks - we've only got 15 minutes to go!

Argentina vs France 2022 World Cup final odds and predictions: Who is the favourite?

I just got all nervous when I looked at the clock - there is less than half an hour to go! ​​​​​​​

So, who is the most likely team to win? Check out the odds. Oh, and an attempt at a prediction. 

Yes, I know I like to speak about Griezmann a lot

He has been the player of the tournament for some (me) and once you look at the range in those statistics, where he contributes so heavily both in attack and defence, you can see why!

Here's official confirmation of the Argentina lineup:

Just as the squad takes their first steps on the pitch... the noise in the Lusail Stadium just jumped up to crazy levels! 40,000 screams of joy!

France are out for the warmup!

Both squads have started to get ready for the game, but there are still plenty of seats to be filled. Apparently there are problems with the metro for fans arriving at the stadium. 

France were loudly booed as they came out of the tunnel - the majority of fans inside the stadium are Argentina shirt wearers.

Acuña is not in the starting XI for Argentina due to injury. 

I *think* it's finished. I can only hear the Argentina fans now, who seem to have enjoyed that greatly. 

I'm finding it quite hard to keep up with which pop singer is on now, but there's someone spinning round in circles wearing a huge body warmer, who I believe is Davido . 

During the chorus of the song, I've realised that it's what I've been humming away to all month without noticing. There you go.

The exercise balls actually have little drone arms on them, and the Argentina and France balls have now flown away . I'd like to see Messi try to score with one of those.

Here comes the 'Official World Cup song', with *checks notes* Davido, Aisha, Ozuna and Gims.

Now there are lots of people on the pitch with huge exercise balls of all the flags of the World Cup, forming a circle, spinning round. 

The closing ceremony is underway!

We've got a singer doing a nice version of What a Wonderful World. It sounds good, they should get her on the national anthems later.

Now there are some flying whales, seriously. 

world cup 2022

The reason why the final of the World Cup in Qatar 2022 is played on December 18

Today is a special day in Qatar for two reasons, one of them the World Cup final (of course), but do you know the other?

One hour to go!

The team news is in, both squads are in the stadium that is filling up as we speak (I'd say it's about halfway to being full)... the countdown is well and truly on!

Sofascore says...

They have Argentina down in a 4-4-2 shape , which would put Álvarez up with Messi and Di María further back. He will have a tough job on his hands today with Molina to keep Mbappé quiet!

Here is the official confirmation of the France XI:

Theo , Varane , Rabiot , Upamecano and Tchouaméni have all overcome their problems and have been deemed fit to play. 

France XI confirmed!

Koundé - Varane - Upamecano - Theo

Tchouaméni - Rabiot - Griezmann 

Dembélé - Mbappé - Giroud

The France squad have arrived at the stadium

Les Bleus may already be at the stadium, but the  Argentinian fans are the ones making all the noise!

The Argentina team is in!

Martínez

Molina - Romero - Otamendi - Tagliafico

Mac Allister - Enzo - De Paul

Di María - Messi - Álvarez

The last time they met...

Will we have another game like this one? 

France, with an incredibly young-looking Kylian Mbappé , came out on top of a crazy match in 2018. Both Messi and Kylian himself had a huge part to play in the goals. 

Of course, Argentina were eliminated here, and France went on to win the trophy with their star-studded squad. 

The French dressing room is ready...

The countdown is well and truly on! Just over 90 minutes to go!

Diego Maradona 1986 / CARLO FUMAGALLI / AP

Diego Maradona in Mexico...

Can Messi cement himself into history even further with an iconic photo like this one?

The 1986 World Cup final at the Estadio Azteca  was the culmination of one of the greatest individual sporting performances ever seen: Maradona in Mexico has gone down as one of the most important periods of football history. It was a time in which Diego carried the team to the final, putting in match-winning moments of genius time after time, dancing round defences and scoring impossible goals in games of extremely high pressure and an entire nation's dreams  riding along with him. Remind you of anyone?

Argentina possible starting lineup for the World Cup final vs France

Since we don't know yet, here's how Argentina could line up , given the injuries and suspensions within Scaloni's squad .

The manager has a choice to make on how he will start the game, as we have seen various versions of his team so far at the World Cup . Against the Netherlands     , Scaloni went with a back 5 to neutralise Dumfries, which worked well. Against Croatia      , he flooded the midfield and played Paredes in a 4-4-2. 

​​​​​​​What will we see today? How will he try to stop France's fantastic four?

We've got some early team news...

It looks as though the Camel Flu that has flown throughout the squad has, well, flapped its wings and gone off to the horizon. That's a pretty much full-strength XI for France , if L'Équipe  have got it right. 

Why do some teams have stars on their jerseys? What do they represent?

There is a lot of talk about the two teams having two stars on their shirt and that at the end of the day one of them will have three, but what do they mean and where do they come from? 

Just two hours to go!

OK, plus a couple of minutes. 

If you've just joined us, welcome to the AS live feed of the World Cup final between Argentina      and     ​​​​​​​France!

It's Joe here and I'll be providing all the details of the game!

Valdano: “We’re seeing a Messi with greater influence - not just in terms of football”

Jorge Valdano won the World Cup with Argentina - and Maradona - in 1986 , scoring the second goal in a crazy 3-2 win over West Germany.

He analysed Sunday’s final and the battle between Messi and Mbappé.

When it's all over, we're going to play a game

I'm not wishing away the game, far form it, I'm just giving you a warning!

My team of the tournament is coming up after the game's finished, with ​​​​one player from each nation  maximum - but I want to see yours! 

Get in touch @English_AS or @j4brennan on Twitter . 

We were always going to do it at some point, right?

Here are the two kings, the figureheads of each team, one the present, the other the future. 

Messi vs Mbappé in the World Cup final , both with the chance to make history in different ways is something you might try to achieve on a video game with heavy levels of in-game manipulation and control over both controllers. But it's real, it's genuinely happening today and when you stop to look at the numbers, it becomes incredibly obvious as to why it has occurred. 

Messi currently leads Mbappé in overall rating, and in terms of the eye test, the Argentinian looks in a hotter streak of form than his PSG teammate, coming into the final on the back of match-winning performances in multiple knockout rounds of the competition. 

Mbappé has somewhat stalled in the latter stages of the competition after a whirlwind start to his World Cup campaign. Yes, he set up Kolo Muani's tap in against Morocco for the majority of the game he was reasonably quiet and the same goes against England, where he was kept tame by Southgate's system. 

The biggest difference in the statistics shown in the graphic is key passes, with Messi averaging a mind-bogglingly high 3 per game; Kylian is just under 2. This owes to the Argentinian's importance in how he functions within the system: Scaloni's team plays to Messi and for Messi.  ​​​​​​​Specific players within the system (I'm looking at you, Rodrigo De Paul) change their role minute by minute to suit whatever it is Messi need s , whether it be to cover him, manipulate space, create doubt in the opposition player's mind by giving them another player to mark, or simply move away from Messi to give him a chance to play his own game , the chameleonic Argentinian system will warp around their star player to facilitate him.

JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA / DIARIO AS

Player to watch: Julián Álvarez

OK, so the answer is Messi , but let's take a look at Julián Álvarez for something different.

The Manchester City striker, were it not for Messi and his penalties, would be Argentina's top scorer. And he wasn't even supposed to start . Lautaro Martínez was Messi's partner in the first game of the tournament against Saudi Arabia, but is now out of favour in Scaloni's plans. 

Álvarez has stepped in wonderfully, getting on the end of assists and having the underrated quality of being in the right place at the right time. His goals against Croatia were the perfect examples of just what he does best : for the first one he did his best Messi impression, glueing the ball to his boot and running wildly down the pitch; the second one was a cool finish after finding enough space in the box for Messi to play the ball to him. 

Not a bad comparison!

Maybe a wake up call was the best thing that could have happened to Argentina, as nobody on the team would have wanted angry Messi to come out so early... they'd have wanted to save that guy for the final!

France's injury list: a blessing in disguise?

France      ​​​​​​​ came into the tournament with an injury list as daunting as an ancient scroll: 

Kanté

And then Benzema got injured on the eve of the tournament, just before  Lucas Hernández tore his knee ligament .

These absences forced Deschamps to change things up, putting in Giroud up top and switching out Lucas for his brother, Theo. The two 'substitutes' have arguably been, along with Mbappé and my boy Griezmann, France's best players during the competition.

Without these players missing, France would not have used Giroud and Griezmann in the way we have seen them and would perhaps not have performed to the same brilliant level. I know, in an imaginary world of impossible-to-prove alternate universes, they could have won every game 6-0 - but they haven't. Instead, they've been brilliant without shining , using an alternative plan, and they've made it all the way to the final. 

Hugo Lloris on the verge of making history

France's goalkeeper and captain H ugo Lloris could make history today were he to lift the World Cup at the end of the game. 

If so, he would become the first captain to win the World Cup trophy in two consecutive editions. 

Only two teams have won consecutive World Cups: Brazil ( 1958 & 1962) and Italy (1934 & 1938). However, on both occasions the winning captains were different, meaning that Lloris would become the first.

Added to that, he has already become the player with the most appearances ever for France, with 143 games.  He is also the goalkeeper with the most World Cup appearances (19) , along with Germany's     ​​​​​​​Manuel Neuer. He will break that record today (if he starts).

‘Papu’ Gómez MLS bound in 2023?

And while we're on the topic of MLS : might Papu Gómez be the next Argentinian to move stateside ?

Can Thiago Almada get on the field in the World Cup final?

And the answer is...

Thiago Almada of Atlanta United!

​​​​​​​Did you get it?

Pub quiz question #2!

Which current MLS player could get on the pitch at the World Cup final?

(hint: he plays for Argentina      ​​​​​​​)

Messi vs Maradona: the battle for the crown of best ever

Today is, for many people, rightly or wrongly , a chance for Messi to cement himself as the greatest player of all time . Some would say that he's already there, that team trophies - and especially national team ones - shouldn't be counted, as it does not entirely come down to the player but the squad and the moment in which they find themselves. 

But for others, to see Messi with the World Cup trophy in his hands , one that has evaded him in the cruellest way possible, one that looked impossible to achieve, would be the crowning moment for his status as the best ever. 

It would certainly put him on the same level as Diego Maradona , the player who a lot of people, and Argentinians in particular, saw holds the accolade. He certainly does in term of symbolism, with that famous 1986 win being the image that is plastered across bedroom walls, social media and, most importantly, in the minds of everyone who loves football. Today Messi could have his own. 

Here's a delightful graphic from Sofascore that I've pulled out of my bag of tricks which compares the two Argentinian geniuses. 

Didier Deschamps said "it helps" to play multiple finals. But which of his players was he talking about? 

Here are two pieces about the survivors of each team from their last time in a World Cup final. 

Which France players that played in the 2018 World Cup final will also be in the 2022 final?

How many players from Argentina’s current squad played in the 2014 World Cup final?

Didier Deschamps pre-match comments:

The context of a final is always special. There is an emotional side that can be different for every player.  When it's the first final for a player, there are less references and data. Playing in lots of finals helps. The emotional management is important.  In 2018 there were 7 players that are here today. It's not actually the same team as before. I'm not going to compare them, it makes no sense.  Argentina can do different things, but so can we.  Kylian needs calmness, serenity. He's in a great frame of mind.  Didier Deschamps , France manager

Lionel Scaloni pre-match comments:

I am proud and very motivated for the moment we are in. They're very beautiful times to enjoy.  The group is in their best moment yet, at the door of the final. I have the starting XI already decided. Our way of playing goes further than the system and the players that we choose will be the ones we think will do France the most damage.  France isn't just Mbappé. It's a team of players that make him better. The final is Argentina against France, it's more than Messi against Mbappé. There are other players who can decide the game, not just those two.  Lionel Scaloni , Argentina manager

5 goals - Lionel Messi 

5 goals - Kylian Mbappé

4 goals - Julián Álvarez

4 goals - Olivier Giroud

Did you get them all? Of course you did, well done. 

Who is the referee for Argentina vs France World Cup 2022 final?

Before I reveal the answer to the greatest pub quiz question of all time, here's everything you need to know about  Szymon Marciniak , today's referee.

Let's have a pub quiz...

I'll be quiz master. We will start off with an easy one:

Who are the current 4 top scorers of the World Cup?

(hint: they could all play today)

Did you know? A curious kit coincidence...

Argentina will be in their famous blue and white striped home shirt for the game today. The French will also be sporting their traditional colour of deep blue, which is nice for all of us who love football shirts and lovely colours. 

The last time Argentina wore their home shirt in a World Cup final was 1986, which they won . The other two times they reached the final, in 1990 and 2014, they wore their away shirt. They lost both of those games. 

Will this curious kit coincidence continue?

We need to talk about Grizi / PETER CZIBORRA / REUTERS

We need to talk about Grizi

​​​​​​​I'm going to spoil the fun now before I've even decided on the rest of my awards: Antoine Griezmann is my player of the tournament. 

​​​​​​​The Atlético Madrid [insert position here] has become the everything-man within Didier Deschamps' team, and  the tactical surprise of the World Cup was only put there to fill the tremendous gap left by the three million injuries that France suffered prior to the competition.

It's amazing, Grizi has contributed in both attack and defence like never before: he has the most assists and has the most chances created at Qatar 2022,  all while being the defensive scampering dog that helps out with ball recovery. 

Against Morocco, he performed 101 pressures (according to Opta) - the most by any French player during a World Cup 2022 game! 

Griezmann is key to unlocking defences for France, as he slips past players as they get all shaky about Mbappé and Theo Hernández down the left side. Keep an eye on the boy.

Isn't this lovely!

The cool people at Sofascore have prepared this very snazzy graphic so we can hold hands and walk down memory lane, remembering all the fun we had along the journey to the World Cup final.

You like it? There's more to come. Trust me. I've got loads. 

Didier Deschamps says Mbappé needs “calmness” before World Cup Final

Here is everything Didier Deschamps had to say in the build up to the game, including whether or not Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema is set to return to the squad for the final.

FRANCK FIFE / AFP

Team news: Argentina

Suspended pair Marcos Acuña (also known as 'the egg')  and Gonzalo Montiel served their suspensions in the Croatia victory and will be ready to return to the side, should Scaloni choose to do so.

Ángel Di María is as fit as he is can be and will most likely feature at some point, even if he doesn't start. My inkling is that Scaloni will choose a midfield four of Mac Allister, Enzo, De Paul and Paredes , but there could be some surprises.

Papu Gómez is a doubt for the game and may not be fit to play, but we're not sure. ​​​​​​​

Leo Messi seems to be fit , despite holding him hamstring and giving us all a fright against Croatia.

  ​​​​​​​     ​​​​​​​

Friedemann Vogel / EFE

Team news: France

" With regards to the virus from yesterday, the players are still sleeping so I can’t tell you ", said Deschamps in his pre-match press conference, when asked about the fitness of Coman, Upamecano, Varane and Konaté, who all appear to be suffering from the Camel Virus that has affected the French squad. Rabiot has also been affected by the virus and missed the Morocco game, but should be well enough to play.

As such, they are all doubts for the game. 

In terms of injuries, Theo Hernández and Aurelién Tchouaméni missed training in the week and were doubtful for the match, but they should be OK to play.

The newest and worrying-est news is that Olivier Giroud is a doubt for the final with a slight knee injury . Missing one of the fantastic four would be a huge blow for France and Mbappé in particular, who uses Giroud's amazing powers of attraction to his benefit, taking advantage of the space left behind.   ​​​​​​​

Argentina: the story so far

Do you remember that Saudi Arabia game? It feels so long ago but the feeling of my eyes dropping down and falling out of my mouth in shock is still there. 

After the game, Messi was asked for his thoughts:

"The truth? Dead. It’s a very hard blow because we did not expect to start in this way .’ We expected to get the three points that would have given us calmness. Things happen for a reason. We have to prepare for what is coming, we have to win, and it depends on us."

And when the boss speaks like that, you listen. Argentina went out and beat both Mexico and Poland 2-0 to top the group, with the Newells Old Boys graduate the start of the show. 

They put away Australia in slightly less convincing fashion than France had done before going all the way to penalties with the Netherlands : you remember that Wout Weghorst goal , right? 

Croatia came next, last time's runners-up, in a match that had all the makings of a tough affair for Scaloni's team . But they pierced through them with a bit of Messi sprinkled throughout, who rotated (defender of the tournament) Gvardiol's soul in his ribcage before laying the ball off to Julián Álvarez to make it 3-0.

France: the story so far

Les Bleus     ​​​​​​​, as mentioned, have made it this far by being brilliant in moments, like fireworks, if that's your thing. 

Their first result of the tournament, a 4-1 win over Australia, led us all to believe that they would be a fluid attacking unit that relentlessly went about like a giant dinosaur, scything teams to shreds . But no. They're something much scarier than that. 

Much scarier than a dinosaur? Yes. Against Denmark they slept under the water and waited for the dark horses to come and have a drink at the lake, getting too close before they jumped out and grabbed them, dragging them in. They beat the Danes 2-1 with a Kylian Mbappé double. With qualification already confirmed, they lost the final game 1-0 against Tunisia having fielded a heavily changed side.

A 3-1 win over the most lacklustre Poland side ever in the Round of 16 was a routine performance, before they squeezed past England using all of their best tricks, namely that attacking front 4. Griezmann teed up Giroud for a header late on but it was   a Harry Kane penalty that went into orbi t that meant Deschamps side carried on in the tournament. 

Then came the surprise of the tournament, Morocco , and we saw the real France. With an early goal in their pocket they sat back, allowing the Atlas Lions all the rule of the pitch, before a late Kolo Muani tap in crushed the dreams of everyone's new favourite country. 

And now they're here, in the final. Waiting to crush Argentinian dreams.

World Cup Final preview: ​​​​​​

This is, as you might expect, quite a tough one to call. France     ​​​​​​​ have worked their way through the World Cup being quite unspectacular in a very spectacular way . They don’t dominate the ball, using a Pep Guardiola style 2-3-5 to attack like interchanging butterflies twisting in formation. Instead, they wait. Like sleeping lions. 18 hours a day of rest, if needs be. They allow you to control the ball, mark your territory, maintain the tempo you want, how kind of them. Then they snap. 

And when that crazy front 4 get going, nobody has the antidote. Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembélé will tear you apart just as you get comfortable in your chair, and you can’t do anything about it. Against Morocco the story was just like that. The reigning champions sat back, relaxed, with a lovely cup of tea, and decided to strike when Mbappé hopped, skipped and squirmed through 15 defenders before his deflected shot was tapped in to make it 2-0. 

Against the French, you don’t get to choose how you play. It’s like building a house of cards with a petulant child, it doesn’t matter how long you spend lining them up, one on top of the other, if the kid wants to blow it down, they will.

Argentina     ​​​​​​, though, have a magic key. Like a fantasy film, they always use the get-out-of-jail superpower that just so happens to perfectly suit what they need to do. La Albiceleste have that in a player who is really good at football. It’s like they brought him on purpose. I don’t even need to name him.

Yes, Messi can decide the came in a moment of genius , which is what might well happen, and Scaloni will know that. But he will also be aware that France too love to do exactly the same thing with their PSG forward, so his team might reflect some feelings of precaution. It could probably come in the shape of a midfield 4, with Paredes dropping in instead of Ángel Di María, who will feature at some point, just maybe not from the start.

Here’s a couple of in-depth tactical breakdowns of the two teams:

Three possible Argentina lineups for World Cup final against France

France’s possible tactics for the final against Argentina

Today's coverage is going to be humungous . We'll have everything from stats to predictions to lovely pictures of footballers, and more.

Thanks again for joining and thank the clouds Morocco didn't make it because otherwise I'd be on the Bono pun train all day long. We'd (I'd) be digging around in B-sides and unpublished newsletters for anything, so at least we don't have that. 

My, oh my, welcome to the World Cup final coverage from AS . It’s Joe here today and I’ll be guiding you through all the laughter, tears and most importantly, the football, of the day. 

How do I say this in a non-screaming yet very loud and excited way?

It’s the World Cup final!

Yes, Argentina     vs     ​​​​​​​France  go up against each other for the third golden star, the golden trophy and lots of gold confetti in game 64 of 64 of this, the strangest tournament we’ve ever seen, Qatar 2022. But what a final we have.

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FIFA World Cup 2022: Argentina's route to the World Cup final

Who did Argentina beat at the World Cup? How many goals did they score? Find out more about the Albiceleste's tournament journey in Qatar including how they booked their place in the final.

(2022 Getty Images)

Argentina are the first team through to the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar.

The two-time World Cup winners secured their place in the tournament's title decider after they defeated last year's runners-up Croatia 3-0 in the first semi-final on Tuesday (13 December).

Argentine record-breaker Lionel Messi was on prolific form netting one goal and providing two assists to guarantee the Albiceleste another shot at football glory.

A place on Sunday night's showdown also allows him one last chance to snare the one trophy that has so far eluded him in his illustrious career.

It's been a remarkable World Cup campaign so far for Argentina, who have scored 12 goals in their six matches.

They got off to troubled start after losing 2-1 to second-lowest ranked team in the tournament Saudi Arabia in their opening group game before bouncing back, to beat other group rivals Mexico and Poland 2-0 and emerge out of the group on top.

A 2-1 win over Australia in the round of 16 led to a quarter-final clash against familiar foes Netherlands. The highly charged meeting saw Argentina survive a penalty shootout against the Oranje to line up Croatia in the semi-final.

Now they face France in the final after the defending title holders defeated Morocco 2-0 in their semi-final. 

As the world countdowns to the 2022 FIFA World Cup final discover Argentina's journey to the end and the route that got them there.

• FIFA World Cup 2022: All results, scores and points table
• FIFA World Cup 2022: Records and stats
• FIFA World Cup 2022 top goal-scorers: Race for the Golden Boot

How Argentina got to the World Cup final 

Related content, fifa world cup 2022 top players: lionel messi claims golden ball , fifa world cup 2022 top players: emiliano martinez wins golden glove , who will be the best young player at the world cup 2022 , world cup winner from argentinian football dynasty | world at their feet.

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Old video of World Cup celebrations in Argentina falsely shared as Venezuelan election protests in 2024

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

A video showing huge crowds celebrating Argentina winning the World Cup has resurfaced in social media posts that falsely claimed it showed massive protests in Venezuela against the disputed reelection of President Nicolas Maduro in July 2024. The video has circulated since December 2022 when millions of Argentines crammed the streets of Buenos Aires to bask in the glory of a first world title in 36 years.

"Caracas, capital city of Venezuela," read part of the Thai-language caption to a Facebook video posted on August 1, 2024.

The video, which was shared on a page with more than 7,000 followers, shows an elevated view of roads and highways packed with people.

The caption went on to say: "Venezuelans protest to expel illegitimate government. Thousands and thousands of people protest the election results after Maduro cheated."

The video circulated after Venezuela was plunged into a political crisis after President Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner of the country's presidential election on July 28 -- a result that defied pre-election polls and drew global criticism ( archived link ).

The United States and the European Union demanded Venezuelan authorities release detailed voting data, with top US diplomat Antony Blinken saying there was "overwhelming evidence" that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the election.

The governments of Brazil, Colombia and Mexico urged an "impartial verification" of the result in a joint statement, also calling for Caracas to publish voting data broken down by polling stations.

Thousands of people flooded the streets of several neighbourhoods of Caracas to protest the victory claimed by Maduro, and o pposition leader Maria Corina Machado called for protests "in every city" to denounce the disputed reelection ( archived link ).

The same clip was shared alongside similar claims elsewhere on Facebook here and here , as well as on X in other languages including  English , Chinese , Spanish and Portuguese .

But the clip in fact shows crowds in Argentina, after its national team won the World Cup in 2022.

World Cup celebrations

A reverse image search on Google using keyframes from the video led to the same clip shared on the verified  ESPN FC YouTube channel on December 21, 2022 ( archived link ).

Its description says it shows "4 MILLION people in the streets of Argentina" and credits the footage to an X account that posted the same clip a day earlier ( archived link ).

Below is a screenshot comparison between the falsely shared clip (left) and the video posted on YouTube in December 2022 (right):

The layout of the roads and the skyline visible in the video correspond with the  intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio and Autopista 25 de Mayo in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires ( archived link ).

Below is a comparison of the falsely shared video (left) and Google Maps imagery of the intersection (right), with matching elements highlighted by AFP:

Millions of Argentines crammed the streets of Buenos Aires to celebrate the national team's first World Cup triumph in 36 years (archived links here and here ).

AFP has debunked other misinformation surrounding the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election  here and here .

France vs. Argentina 2024 Olympics preview, how to watch, more

One contender is going home early from this budding rivalry., by sanjesh singh • published july 31, 2024 • updated on july 31, 2024 at 9:13 pm.

Entering the Paris Olympics , three nations stood out the most as contenders for men's soccer gold.

Despite men's soccer being predominantly under-23 players (besides three overage exceptions), Spain, Argentina and France, all international powerhouses on the senior level, all brought elite talents to the Games.

Spain had a leaky defense in the group stages but will meet Japan in the quarterfinals, while Argentina finished second in its pool thanks to the chaotic finish versus Morocco .

24/7 New York news stream: Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are

That result is the reason Argentina versus France, which won all three of its pool games , is transpiring in the quarterfinals instead of later on, as initially expected.

Here's everything to know about the colossal quarterfinal matchup:

2024 Paris Olympics: See dates, sports, how to watch and more

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329 medal events. 32 sports. Endless drama. Catch all the action at the Paris Olympics. Sign up for our free Olympics Headlines newsletter.

When is the France vs. Argentina Olympics game?

France and Argentina will meet on Friday, Aug. 2.

What time is the France vs. Argentina Olympics game?

Kick-off time is slated for 3 p.m. ET, 12 p.m. PT.

How to watch France vs. Argentina at the Olympics

The France-Argentina game will be streamed on Peacock and broadcast in Spanish on Telemundo.

Why is France and Argentina becoming a rivalry?

France and Argentina don't always come first to mind when pondering soccer rivalries, but it has started to turn that way since the latter won the 2022 World Cup.

Most recently, after Argentina won the Copa America tournament, Argentine players on a bus were seen on video singing a racist chant about French players. The French federation filed an official complaint.

Who are the key players for France and Argentina in the Olympics?

For France, it'll depend how head coach Thierry Henry shapes the team. Captain Alex Lacazette and veteran Jean-Philippe Mateta are the experienced strikers up top, with rising winger Michael Olise capable of providing magic at any given moment. France, which has rotated its defense and goalie, has not yet conceded in the tournament.

Argentina has conceded twice, though its squad boasts some 2022 World Cup winners in Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi and goalie Geronimo Rulli, who was a backup. Thiago Almada, Cristian Medina and Claudio Echeverri are some up-and-coming prospects playing well, too.

Who will win in the France vs. Argentina Olympics game?

All signs point to it being an even game. It'll most likely be a single-goal difference, though it depends on the gamebreakers. France has more possibilities on that front, so Argentina will need some heavy lifting to break down Les Bleus' stable defense.

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Argentina vs France: Repeat Of World Cup Final In Paris Olympics 2024

It will be the first meeting of the nations since Argentina players were recorded singing racist chants about their French counterparts as they celebrated winning the Copa America in mid-July.

There is no love lost between France and Argentina on the football field these days and their quarter-final meeting in Bordeaux on Friday will add spice to the men's Olympic tournament. The last-eight clash between the rivals is in many ways exactly what was needed for a competition mainly reserved for players aged under 23, lacking in star names and struggling to attract attention from the general football public. There will be plenty of reasons to follow the encounter between two of the leading contenders to go all the way and win gold in Paris on August 9.

FIFA announced that it would investigate the chants, which targeted France's star striker Kylian Mbappe among others and included racist and homophobic insults.

The chants even led to a diplomatic incident, with Argentina apologising after the South American country's vice president, Victoria Villarruel, wrote on X that France was a "colonialist country". "Enough with feigned outrage, hypocrites," she added.

Argentina players have already been booed by rival fans during the Olympic tournament and can expect another heated welcome from the French crowd.

"With everything that has happened recently, everyone in France was affected, so we will see what happens in the quarter-finals," warned France's Crystal Palace striker Jean -Philippe Mateta after the hosts finished the group phase with three wins out of three.

Friday's showdown will also be the first between the sides since the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar which Argentina won on penalties after an epic 3-3 draw.

However, the men's Olympic football tournament is an under-23 competition, albeit with the exception of up to three over-age players per squad.

Only two members of Argentina's Olympic squad, Nicolas Otamendi and Julian Alvarez , played in the 2022 game, and none of France's.

That perhaps removes a little of the edge, but in purely footballing terms it will still be a fascinating contest.

Henry v Mascherano

Argentina are chasing a third Olympic gold after triumphing in 2004 and in 2008, the latter with a young Lionel Messi in their ranks.

France are going for football gold on home soil 40 years after taking the title at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.

"If we want to come away with the medal, we have to be ready to play any opponent wherever it might be," Argentina's Thiago Almada, an unused substitute in the 2022 World Cup final, told broadcaster TyC Sports.

There are few household names in either team, although Manchester City's Alvarez will lead the Argentina attack, while France are captained by Alexandre Lacazette and can also call on new Bayern Munich signing Michael Olise.

Both sides do have legendary coaches, however -- France with 1998 World Cup-winner Thierry Henry , Argentina with his fellow former Barcelona star Javier Mascherano , who won Olympic gold as a player in Athens and in Beijing.

Whoever prevails will advance to a semi-final in Lyon next Monday against either Egypt or 2004 silver medallists Paraguay, who meet in the last eight in Marseille.

All the quarter-finals go ahead on Friday, with Morocco up against the United States in Paris before Spain take on Japan in Lyon.

Spain are gunning for more glory a matter of weeks on from winning Euro 2024 as they target a second Olympic men's football gold after 1992.

Japan have come to this Olympics with a young squad but were the only team other than France to win all three group games.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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