Argentina Wins World Cup in Dramatic Penalty Shootout

Messi Leads Argentina to Historic Victory

Argentina and France Battled to a 3-3 Draw Before Argentina Prevailed in Penalty Shootout

In an epic World Cup final, Argentina has claimed its third title after a thrilling penalty shootout against defending champions France. The match ended in a 3-3 draw, with Lionel Messi scoring twice for Argentina and Kylian Mbappé netting a hat-trick for France. In the penalty shootout, Argentina prevailed 4-2, with Gonzalo Montiel scoring the winning penalty.

The victory marks Argentina's first World Cup title since 1986 and Messi's first major international trophy. It is also the third time Argentina has won the World Cup, tied with Germany for third-most titles.

The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams taking the lead at different points. Argentina struck first, with Messi scoring from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute. Ángel Di María doubled Argentina's lead in the 36th minute, giving Argentina a comfortable cushion going into halftime.

However, France came out firing in the second half and Mbappé quickly pulled one back in the 80th minute. Two minutes later, Mbappé equalized with a stunning volley, sending the match into extra time.