Messi, Argentina win World Cup over France on PKs

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina kisses the trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi has his World Cup.

Arguably the greatest male soccer player ever, Messi scored twice as Argentina and France went into penalty kicks on a 3-3 tie. Argentina won the shootout, 4-2, claiming the nation’s third World Cup trophy (1978, 1986).

2018 champion France gave a remarkable comeback effort after falling 2-0 at halftime, but were unable to become the first nation since 1962 Brazil to win back-to-back World Cups.

Star Kylian Mbappe netted a hat trick in the second half plus extra time to help pull France even with Argentina and force penalty kicks.

The 2026 World Cup is set be hosted by United States-Canada-Mexico, with the final to be held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.