On Sunday night, Lucille Maidan and billions of spectators from all over the world stood for three hours without blinking an eye for one of the unparalleled miracles, like the visions that have been passed down through the generations for a thousand and one nights. The great legends of the football world, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, faced each other in a thrilling match, and every moment was full of curiosities. The goals filled the net one following the other. Both of them swore on the golden goals scored in their boots that we were the star kings.
Those who scored once were under pressure to get back the same number. Those who bought first proved with their feet that they were in the right ditch than what they received. The spectators knew that each goal was not the beginning of victory, but the beginning of extreme pressure. Both teams played and proved that the rule of the ball should be between the two goals instead of the middle of the field. Those who fought with the ball at their feet and strengthened their progress were pushed back by the other team with bigger counterattacks. After surprising that nothing is certain, Messi himself became the star king. After three-and-a-half long decades, he declared that he would no longer give up the crown he deserved.
Argentina dominated the field for most of the first 90 minutes. They scored two goals first. As the Latin Americans spread everywhere and enforced company rule, the defense layered the French in the background. Even their own fans sighed that this was not the France we had seen for so long. However, France came back to make it 97 seconds apart at the final whistle. When it went to extra time, Messi started once more. Just when it was thought to be over, Mbappe became the second hat-trick scorer in World Cup finals history with a master touch to save the French team.
When the game went to the penalty shootout, Argentina had the upper hand once more. The hero of France was Emiliano Martinez, a superman with black hands. Mbappe showed his class with the first kick as he beat the keeper who was just moving his feet but didn’t jump to either side until the kick started. On the other hand, Messi also started without ever stumbling. Martinez was mellow following all. After blocking once, the pressured French line then went out and lost the game. Argentina did not waste a single kick.
Former England superstar Alan Shearer says he watched the game with bated breath. ‘This final battle was unbelievable. I have never seen anything like this in my life. I don’t think I will see another one. Really amazing”.
Another player, Rio Ferdinand, says he had no idea what was unfolding on the field.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admits that the final was truly frenetic. He also opines that it should have been over in 90 minutes as he played a good game.
How the game has changed
23rd minute: Messi scores the penalty.
36th minute: Angel Di Maria gives Argentina the lead.
80th minute: Mbappe scored a penalty for Argentina.
81st minute: Mbappe equalizes with a beautiful volley.
108th minute: Messi regains the lead.
118th minute: Penalty once more. Mbappe takes the kick to the net and extends the game to the shootout.
Until the start of the final, Messi and Mbappé were equal contenders for the Golden Boot award, but following extra time, it was confirmed that only one would be the rightful one. It was the Latin Americans who really ruled the field in the first 90 minutes. Therefore, Deschamps had to withdraw Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele, who were considered the best, in the first half. Substitutes Kolo Mulaney and Marcus Turani then filled the French forward. Martinez, who hadn’t even been tested, started hitting the net. The referee awarded a penalty because Otamendi brought down Muani. Mbappe scored.
On the other hand, the withdrawal of Scaloni Di Maria in the second half backfired.
Yet the king named Messi was really the sultan of the Lucille playground. The player scored once more in the 108th minute. Mbappe cleared it once more but the shootout decided the verdict.
Kingsley Coman’s shot was easily blocked by Martinez and Schumany was knocked out.