It looked like Lionel Messi had done it.
After a stunning second-half French comeback — thanks to two goals in about 90 seconds by young superstar Kylian Mbappé — France and Argentina went to extra time to decide the 2022 World Cup champion.
Early in the second period of extra time, Messi, who had already scored on a penalty kick in the first half of the game, took the ball on a rebound from a Hugo Lloris save and flicked it toward the goal. France’s defense managed to clear Messi’s offering off the line, but it had crossed over and Argentina was ultimately awarded the goal.
But it wouldn’t be enough. In the 116th minute of this epic final, France was awarded a penalty. Already having scored twice, Kylian Mbappé stepped up looking to tie the match yet again. And he did just that. It’s a hat trick for the 23-year-old.
It’ll now be penalty kicks to decide the champion at the 2022 World Cup. This is absolutely unreal.
