Lionel Messi bursts into tears as Argentina win the World Cup
After weeks of tension, heartbreak, goals and songs, Argentina has won the World Cup 2022.
Unfortunately we already knew it wasn't coming home, but the event has now come to an end after Argentina and France went head-to-head in an intense final that went into extra time and penalties.
The final score was 3-3, but Argentina won 4-2 on penalties.
Lionel Messi could be seen crying tears of joy at the result as the game offered the player, often touted as the best in the world, the chance to take home his first World Cup after previously having secured 791 goals for his club and country, and a record seven Ballon d'Or awards.
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Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez celebrated Messi as he expressed his hopes for the win ahead of the match, saying: "People say France are favourites, but we have the advantage of having the greatest player of all time.
"We always like to hear the opponent is the favourite because we don't feel superior or inferior to anyone. But, as I always say, we have the greatest player of all time. And with a good defence, we have many chances to reach our goal."
France has previously secured two World Cup wins, one in 1998 and one in 2018, and manager Didier Deschamps had high hopes to bring the total to three and become the third team to win back-to-back World Cup trophies.
"I know Argentina, many people around the world, and maybe some French people, hope Lionel Messi could win the World Cup, but we're going to do everything to achieve our objective," he said ahead of the match.
The 2022 final marked the fourth time Argentina and France met at the World Cup, having previously faced off in 1930, 1978 and 2018.
Argentina won both group matches in 1930 and 1978, but France took the win in their only knockout encounter as they achieved four goals to three in the last 16 in 2018.
Qatar 2022 brought about Argentina's sixth World Cup final, with only Germany and Brazil having participated in more by reaching eight and seven finals, respectively.
Argentina previously won FIFA's event in 1978 and 1986, but lost in 1930, 1990 and 2014.
The team's manager Lionel Scaloni admitted he was 'already getting emotional' before the final even kicked off as the team has 'given everything sincerely'.
"Let's hope we win the title and if it can't be, they should be proud, because it's a moment to enjoy," he said.
Following Argentina's win over Croatia in the semi final, Messi revealed today's final would be the last of his World Cup career, saying: "There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don't think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant."
Topics: Football, Sport, Lionel Messi, World Cup
Emily Brown