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Lionel Messi is finally lifting the World Cup trophy for Argentina after his side defeated France on penalties, after extra time.

This is the third time Argentina has won the World Cup, after having done so in 1978 and 1986.

First half

The final match for the 2022 FIFA World Cup began at 11pm on Sunday (SGT), and was played at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

About 20 minutes into the game, Argentina's Ángel Di María was brought down in the penalty box after a tackle from Ousmane Dembélé.

A penalty was awarded to Argentina.

Penalty to Argentina!!

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

Argentine skipper Messi stepped up to the plate and sends French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way, giving his side the lead.

🇦🇷💫#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/fUgLdqnYxU

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

Argentina continued to dominate the first half with a few more attempts on goal.

In the 36th minute, Di Maria found the back of the net and doubled his side's lead following a crucial counterattack involving Messi, Julián Álvarez and Alexis Mac Allister.

DI MARIA SCORES!!!

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

Even after seven minutes of added time in the first half, France failed to score a goal.

The score remained at 2-0 to Argentina at half time.

⏸ Goals from Messi and Di Maria give Argentina a half-time lead! #FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

Second half

Argentina continued to dominate the game in the second half.

But in a dramatic turn of events, France was awarded a penalty after Randal Kolo Muani was brought down inside the box.

Penalty to France!! 👀

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

Kylian Mbappé sent the ball into the back of the net and pulled one back for France.

About a minute after his goal, Mbappé stunned the Argentine fans when he scored an equaliser for his side.

Mbappe equalises with a stunning strike! 🤯

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

After seven minutes of added time, the score remained at 2-2.

Extra Time

The match subsequently moved to extra time with both teams fighting for the top spot.

An incredible French comeback takes us to extra-time! #FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

The first half of extra time was goalless, leaving the score at 2-2.

But in the second half of extra time, Lionel Messi scored in the 108th minute.

MESSI SCORES FOR ARGENTINA!!

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

What appeared to be a secured victory for Argentina was once again shattered as Mbappé equalised in the 118th minute.

The match moved to penalties, with Argentina scoring all of their penalties, and France missing two.

Argentina was crowned the champion of 2022 FIFA World Cup.

ARGENTINA ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!! 🇦🇷#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022

Top images via FIFA World Cup