Argentina captured a record fifth FIFA World Cup title in a final for the ages, defeating defending champions France 4-2 on penalties after a breathtaking match that ended 2-2 after 120 minutes of football that will be debated for generations.
Argentina took the lead through a Messi penalty in the 23rd minute and doubled their advantage when Ángel Di María slotted home at the far post. France came to life dramatically in the second half — Kylian Mbappé pulled one back from the spot in the 80th minute and equalised with a stunning overhead kick in the 86th.
Shootout
In extra time, Messi restored Argentina's lead before Mbappé completed his hat-trick from the spot to send the game to penalties for only the third time in World Cup final history. Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved France's second penalty and Argentina converted all four of their attempts.
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This is one of the most comprehensive pieces of journalism I've read this year. The depth of reporting here is remarkable — I especially appreciated the inclusion of dissenting voices rather than just the official narrative. More of this, please.
I'm not sure the framing here is entirely fair. The headline implies certainty that the body text doesn't quite deliver on. Worth being careful about that gap.
Devastatingly accurate. Where do we go from here?