Argentina crowned FIFA World Cup champions after thrilling final

The final match of the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup was one for the history books, with Argentina crowned as champions.

In a gritty contest not scripted for the faint of heart, the Lionel Messi-led team beat France in a penalty shootout.

ARGENTINA ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!! ??#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

The odds were favouring Argentina from the word go, with Messi scoring the first goal on a penalty, and Angel Di Maria converting a brilliant passing move into the team’s second goal before half-time.

??? pic.twitter.com/P0ZRL799f0

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

This was followed by two goals from France’s Kylian Mbappe, trailed by a third from Messi in extra time. Mbappe’s brilliant third strike levelled France with Argentina again. The match went down to the wire, with the South American team routing defending champions on penalties 4-2.

As for individual accolades, Mbappe walked away with the Golden Boot award, being the tournament’s highest goal scorer with eight strikes.

The @adidas Golden Boot Award goes to Kylian Mbappe! ?#Qatar2022‘s top goalscorer ?

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

Messi not only lifted the trophy but also bagged the Golden Ball accolade.

⭐️ MESSI ⭐️

Our @adidas Golden Ball Award winner!#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

Qatar National Day

Today’s match coincided with host country Qatar’s National Day.

Read: Breaking new ground: The impact and legacy of the FIFA World Cup

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took to Twitter to congratulate the Emir of Qatar and its people.

I extend my best wishes to my brother Tamim bin Hamad and the people of Qatar on the occasion of their country’s National Day. We wish Qatar and its people continued happiness and success in the future. pic.twitter.com/yGIUHb3rhD

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) December 18, 2022

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also send a congratulatory message.

“We congratulate His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the brotherly Qatari people on their glorious National Day, which coincides with the World Cup final,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter.

نبارك لصاحب السمو الشيخ تميم بن حمد آل ثاني وللشعب القطري الشقيق عيدهم الوطني المجيد والذي يصادف نهائي كأس العالم.. نفخر بتنظيمهم أفضل كأس عالم لكرة القدم.. ونفرح بعيدهم الوطني ووصولهم لهذه القمم.. قطر رفعت سقف المونديال .. ورسخت معايير عربية أمام العالم في حسن وروعة التنظيم.. pic.twitter.com/YhBdBCPfmF

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 18, 2022