IMMORTAL MESSI WINS 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP AS MBAPPE CLAIMS GOLDEN BOOT

Argentina has won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the match the winner started superbly and were full of drive and energy in a night France Kylian Mbappe made it almost impossible for La Albiceleste lifting the cup after scoring a hat-trick.

In the quick tempo start of the game occasioned by Angel Di Maria’s good runs at the flank, he won a controversial penalty on 23 minutes that was converted from the penalty spot by Messi. Before the goal Argentina looked hungrier for the title with an early incursion into the French territory box and Didier Deschamps men looked confused finding a solution to the problem.

In the 36 minutes Lionel Scaloni’s side made it two with Di Maria’s superb finishing lifting the ball over Hugo Lioris from 12 yards. A true reflection of their early dominance in phenomenal display of energy and cohesion.

France boss Didier Deschamps was intelligent and obviously did read the game having conceded two goals a little after the half hour mark. He made two substitutions with Ousmane Dembele and Olivier Giroud both being replaced. The introductions added some tactical cohesion and offensive minded creativity for the French having earlier seen the unfortunate task of Jules Kounde coming up against on-form Di Maria. Kounde could not deal with the easy flair of Di Maria in the flank!

The match went into half break with Argentina two goals up and on return to the second half the rhythm of the game changed. France imposed authority in the game and their defense was solid with Raphael Varane building attack from the back, he didn’t go a great deal wrong for France pushing for urgency in play.

The second half was tilting to Argentina the winner until Mbappe’s double scoring in the 80 minutes and 81 minutes. The brace within two minutes pepped up the confidence of the French side. Before Mbappe’s sterling performance Kingsley Coman was introduced in the 70 minutes, his character was drive, energy and consistently won the ball and the remarkable one was one against Messi that resulted in Mbappe’s second goal despite his penalty saved by Emiliano Martinez in the shootout.

Obviously, Mbappe was a beauty, promptly levelled the scores to complete a remarkable comeback, volleying past Martinez from close range. He was phenomenal!

The last 15 minutes were end to end with Argentina playing consciously not to concede a third goal with both sides equally pressing for the winner, but extra time was called for.

On resumption of the extra time Youssouf Fofana came on in the 95 minutes and also Ibrahim Konate who replaced the exhausted Varane late on. Although Argentina had two big chances in the first half of the extra time, one blocked superbly and one narrowly wide. The third chance in the second half was saved by Lloris, but magical Messi was on hand to fire home.

Mbappe’s lively composure came to play despite the pressure and the frustration of the penalty shootout. He was a different player and having produced a sensational volley for the second goal of the match, he lived up to the occasion and put a third penalty away with precision in extra time for an incredible hat trick. But that wasn’t enough for the title.

Argentina went on to win 4-2 on penalties to lift the World Cup for the third time with Messi Best Player of the tournament, Emiliano Martinez Hand Glove Award as best goalkeeper and Fernandez Best Young Player and Kylian Mbappe the Golden Boot winner with 8 goals at the tournament. The 2022 FIFA World Cup ended with Africa recording their best achievement at the World Cup with Morocco coming out fourth and first African country to play at the semi-final.