Argentina vs France LIVE!

Argentina ended their 36-year wait for World Cup glory with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over France in a truly remarkable final.

Much of the build-up was dominated by talk of Lionel Messi and his destiny, and the 35-year-old now has the crowning moment on a remarkable career. His first-half penalty put his country in front, before Angel Di Maria doubled the lead before the break. Les Blues were a shadow of the side that went all the way four years ago for much of the match, until Kylian Mbappe stepped up and scored twice in the space of 97 seconds to send it to extra-time.

It remained level at the midway stage, as Messi put Argentina in front once more, but Mbappe stepped up again with another penalty to seal a stunning hat-trick as it finished 3-3. That was in vain, as Argentina held their nerve in the shootout, with Gonzalo Montiel dispatching the winning spot-kick.

Argentina vs France: World Cup final updates

• Messi lifts the World Cup trophy!

• Argentina win the World Cup on penalties!

• GOAL! Mbappe hat-trick sends it to penalties

• GOAL! Messi puts Argentina in front again

• GOAL! Stunning volley from Mbappe to equalise

• GOAL! Messi puts Argentina in front with penalty

Argentina 7 - 5 France

Immortality for Messi!

20:33 , Matt Verri

History made, destiny fulfilled, immortality secured - and what a game in which to do it.

Lionel Messi elevated his legend and emulated Diego Maradona with a perfect ending, scoring twice as Argentina were crowned world champions for the third time.

In one of the great World Cup finals, perhaps the greatest, Messi’s Argentina beat France on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

Read Dan Kilpatrick’s full analysis here

Three stars...

20:22 , Matt Verri

Messi not done yet!

20:17 , Matt Verri

Lionel Messi has revealed he does not intend to retire from international football after Argentina’s dramatic World Cup final victory.

“No, I’m not gonna retire from the national team,” Messi told TyC Sports.

“I want to keep playing as World Cup champions with the Argentina shirt.”

Mbappe heir to the throne

19:54 , Matt Verri

Ultimately this World Cup final belonged to Lionel Messi, but the future belongs to Kylian Mbappe.

The showdown between Argentina and France had rightly been billed as a battle between the two biggest stars in the game, and they both delivered.

Mbappe already has a World Cup winners’ medal and, on the evidence of this match, he will surely win another one. At 23, the Frenchman still has his best years ahead of him.

His performances in Qatar have seen him compared to Pele, who won three World Cups, and emulating him is not out of the question for Mbappe.

This final showed how he has the talent and, even in defeat, the comparisons to the Brazil legend are justified.

Read Simon Collings’ full piece here

Celebrations continue!

19:48 , Matt Verri

Deschamps on his future

19:40 , Matt Verri

“Even if we’d won, I wouldn’t reply to that question tonight.

“I’m sad for my players and staff. I’ll have a meeting with the president at the beginning of next year and then you’ll find out.”

Mbappe joins Hurst in exclusive club

19:27 , Matt Verri

Kylian Mbappe become the first man to a hat-trick in a World Cup final since Geoff Hurst.

The Frenchman scored twice in 97 seconds to level it up, before then sending it to penalties with a late spot-kick in extra-time.

Hurst, who scored three times as England beat West Germany in 1966, congratulated the Paris Saint-Germain forward, tweeting during the match: “Many congratulations to Mbappe, whatever happens. I’ve had a great run!”

Only one man they want to celebrate with!

19:20 , Matt Verri

Mission accomplished

19:10 , Matt Verri

Relatively calm scene now at the Lusail Stadium, Lionel Messi has been just sitting with his family taking it all in.

There was a slightly chaotic scene in front of them, an endless line of people just appearing with their phones wanting a picture with him.

He’ll want to savour every last second of this.

Mbappe level with Pele

19:06 , Matt Verri

Only five players in history now have more World Cup goals than Kylian Mbappe. He’s 23.

He’s moved level with Pele on 12, with Messi one ahead of them after his brace in the final. The Argentina captain has already confirmed he will not play at another World Cup.

Miroslav Klose leads the way on 16, one ahead of Brazil’s Ronaldo. Mbappe only four away from levelling the record, five from beating it.

He will surely be top of the tree one day.

Football.... completed it

18:57 , Matt Verri

Nizaar Kinsella at Lusail Stadium

18:52 , Matt Verri

18:48 , Matt Verri

Didn’t think we were going to get to that moment, Infantino wouldn’t stop talking to Messi. FIFA president eventually realised nobody was actually there to see him.

Messi put on some sort of robe just before he lifted the trophy, bit of a shame his Argentina shirt was covered.

Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup!

18:43 , Matt Verri

And the biggest cheers of all for Messi.

Here we go, 36 years ago we had pictures of Diego Maradona lifting the World Cup after Argentina went all the way. This is the first time they have won football’s biggest tournament since then.

Messi has had a truly remarkable career, this though is the crowning moment. He lifts the World Cup!

18:40 , Matt Verri

President Macron not so keen to speak to the Argentina players. Strange that.

They’re going up in number order, huge cheers in particular for De Paul. Romero and Otamendi kiss the trophy on their way past... Messi has started a trend.

18:37 , Matt Verri

France pick up their medals, Mbappe held up as he gets some sympathetic words from about 20 people on his way up. The last of them is President Macron, who opts for a full speech to the 23-year-old. He’s not listening.

Les Blues didn’t turn up for the first 70 minutes or so, remarkable they gave us such late drama.

What. A. Save.

18:35 , Matt Verri

This moment will probably be lost with all the drama that happened either side, but it’s as big as any.

France so close to winning it with almost the final kick of extra-time. Martinez had other ideas.

Player of the tournament... Lionel Messi!

18:31 , Matt Verri

Shock.

Seven goals and three assists, and a destiny fulfilled. Second time he’s won this award, did so in 2014 too.

This one will mean even more, he’s got the World Cup trophy to go with the Golden Ball.

Mbappe picks up Golden Boot

18:30 , Matt Verri

Eight goals and two assists in the tournament for Mbappe. Ridiculously good. That late penalty in extra-time saw him move ahead of Messi.

No surprise that there’s not even a flicker of a smile on his face. Doesn’t look too bothered by this as a consolation.

Golden Glove award...

18:28 , Matt Verri

Emi Martinez wins it. Argentina are going to sweep this, as the winners usually do.

Massive save right at the end of extra-time from Martinez, before shining in a penalty shootout once again.

Fernandez picks up award

18:27 , Matt Verri

Time for some awards, before we get to the World Cup trophy.

Young Player of the Tournament - Enzo Fernandez. He’s been brilliant all tournament.

Simon Collings at Lusail Stadium

18:26 , Matt Verri

Infantino, as is the way, is booed onto the stage...

He’ll be presenting the World Cup trophy.

Nizaar Kinsella at Lusail Stadium

18:24 , Matt Verri

Sergio Aguero is on the pitch celebrating with Lionel Messi.

They roomed together on the night before the final. He could have been playing in this final were it not for a heart condition.

France player ratings

18:22 , Matt Verri

Kylian Mbappe - 10

Two goals in 97 seconds saw Mbappe become the youngest player to history to score ten World Cup goals, as he scored a penalty and then scored a sublime first-time volley.

He then became only the second player to score a World Cup final hat-trick with another penalty in extra-time.

Read our full France ratings here

Aguero out on the pitch...

18:16 , Matt Verri

Player ratings

18:13 , Matt Verri

Lionel Messi - 10

He ensured that his name is written into international football folklore with a record-breaking performance that will be remembered for some time.

After taking the all-time appearance record from Lothar Matthaus in his 26th appearance in the competition, he sent goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way from the penalty spot. His sixth goal in the tournament saw him gain more goal involvements in a World Cup than any player since 1966 and he is also the first player to score in every knockout round of the competition.

This was a night when a legendary player completed his legacy by scoring in extra time after 108 gruelling minutes. He did it at 35 years old with the pressure of knowing it would be his last match in the competition.

Read our full Argentina ratings here

That winning moment...

18:05 , Matt Verri

18:03 , Matt Verri

Argentina’s 36-year wait for World Cup glory is over.

They did it the hard way too, letting a two-goal lead slip up again as Kylian Mbappe dragged France back into it. A hat-trick in a World Cup final... but it’s not enough.

Argentina keep their nerve in the shootout. An absolutely astonishing finial.

Nizaar Kinsella at Lusail Stadium

18:01 , Matt Verri

The noise is incredible. Some of these Argentina fans have made a huge financial sacrifice despite economic problems back home to watch a real life superhero story play out staring Lionel Messi.

It was well worth it.

Simon Collings at Lusail Stadium

17:57 , Matt Verri

Messi is mobbed a sea of Argentina players. In contrast, Coman heads straight down the tunnel.

ARGENTINA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

17:54 , Matt Verri

MONTIEL WINS IT FOR ARGENTINA!

GOAL! Argentina 3-2 France

17:54 , Matt Verri

Martinez now shown a yellow card, as he does it again.

Kolo Muani has to score... AND DOES! Lashed down the middle.

Argentina score this penalty, and they’ve won the World Cup. Montiel to take.

GOAL! Argentina 3-1 France

17:53 , Matt Verri

Paredes holds his nerve! Almost slipped but he gets the job done.

Argentina just one penalty away!

MISS! Argentina 2-1 France

17:52 , Matt Verri

Tchouameni for France... although Martinez has just thrown the ball away! Doing everything he can.

AND IT WORKS! Tchouameni drags it wide, France in massive, massive trouble now.

GOAL! Argentina 2-1 France

17:51 , Matt Verri

Dybala next up. Pretty much his first touch tonight.

AND HE SCORES! Down the middle. Argentina in charge.

SAVED! Argentina 1-1 France

17:50 , Matt Verri

MARTINEZ DENIES COMAN!

Big save.... advantage Argentina.

GOAL! Argentina 1-1 France

17:50 , Matt Verri

And now Messi for Argentina.

OUTRAGEOUS. Rolls it down the middle, Lloris inches away from getting back up and saving it!

1-1.

GOAL! Argentina 0-1 France

17:49 , Matt Verri

Mbappe scores! Martinez gets a slight touch but not enough!

17:48 , Matt Verri

France first, but the shootout is taking place in front of a wall of Argentina fans.

Mbappe striding up for the first penalty.

17:47 , Matt Verri

Messi and Lloris meet in the middle of the pitch once again. Time for the toss of the coin.

It will be France to go first in the shootout!

Simon Collings at Lusail Stadium

17:46 , Matt Verri

There were limbs everywhere here as each chance went begging. And I include journalists in that.

FT: Argentina 3-3 France

17:44 , Matt Verri

PENALTIES.

A World Cup final for the ages will be decided from 12 yards. What a match.

17:43 , Matt Verri

WHAT A SAVE!

Kolo Muani is in, hammered at goal but Martinez produces a stunning save! Only the goalkeeper to beat.

And now Argentian at the other end... MARTINEZ HEADS IT WIDE!

Madness.

17:42 , Matt Verri

120+2 mins: MARTINEZ IS IN.... Offside!

Everyone calm down. He was briefly clean through on goal, Upamecano did well to step up though.

17:41 , Matt Verri

120+1 mins: Dybala on for Tagliafico. He’ll take a penalty.

We’ve had everything in this final... surely there’s not one more late twist.

Simon Collings at Lusail Stadium

17:40 , Matt Verri

Football, bloody hell. This place is just stunned.

17:40 , Matt Verri

120 mins: FRANCE NEARLY WIN IT!

Cross comes in, Kolo Muani completely free in the middle and he sends the header inches wide!

Three minutes added on.

17:38 , Matt Verri

119 mins: Well, one minute plus added-time for either side to find a winner. It’s been a truly incredible final.

Acuna whips the ball in, corner Argentina! Comes to nothing, cleared away.

GOAL! Argentina 3-3 France | Kylian Mbappe 118'

17:37 , Matt Verri

MBAPPE... SCORES! HE MAKES NO MISTAKE!

IT’S LEVEL ONCE AGAIN!

PENALTY!

17:36 , Matt Verri

Corner swung in by France, falls for Mbappe on the edge of the box.

Curling effort... handball?! IT’S A PENALTY FOR FRANCE! INCREDIBLE!

Nobody knew what was happening at first, but Mbappe has a chance for his hat-trick!

17:34 , Matt Verri

114 mins: Awful challenge!

And it starts a bit of a shoving match. Paredes can be grateful it’s only a yellow card, absolutely cleans Camavinga out.

17:33 , Matt Verri

113 mins: Varane’s legs give up on him, he’ll be coming off. Can barely trudge off the pitch.

Argentina have gone to the corner already! Acuna just trying to keep it there, he’s shoved off it though. Goal-kick.

17:31 , Matt Verri

111 mins: Argentina have ten minutes to hold on. Their bench is already pretty much in tears, Sergio Aguero is dancing around in the stands.

Still plenty of time left for France...

Simon Collings at Lusail Stadium

17:29 , Matt Verri

The goal is finally confirmed by the big screens. Messi turns to the fans and double fist pumps to them. Waving his arms.

GOAL! Argentina 3-2 France | Lionel Messi 109'

17:28 , Matt Verri

ARGENTINA BACK IN FRONT!

Martinez with the initial effort, Lloris does well to keep this one but can only push it straight to Messi and he turns it in!

It’s crossed the line just about!

17:27 , Matt Verri

107 mins: Not hugely convincing from Lloris.

Ball bounces up for Messi, fires it at goal and it should be a relatively comfortable save but the goalkeeper parries it out instead. No damage done though.

Simon Collings at Lusail Stadium

17:25 , Matt Verri

Some heroic defending from Upamecano. His selection, including by me, was question today but he has stepped it up in extra-time.

Back underway!

17:25 , Matt Verri

Up and running again. Got to feel there will be at least one more big chance...

HT in ET: Argentina 2-2 France

17:22 , Matt Verri

WIDE. Martinez is in behind, pokes the shot past Lloris but it rolls agonisingly wide. Looks to be a crucial touch from Upamecano again, superb.

And that’s half-time. 105 minutes down, 15 to go.

Penalties anyone?

17:21 , Matt Verri

105 mins: WHAT A BLOCK!

Messi bursts into life again, combining with Mac Allister. Slid through to Martinez, looks certain to score but it’s a sensational block from Upamecano! Came out of nowhere.

17:19 , Matt Verri

103 mins: A double change for Argentina.

Alvarez and De Paul the two to come on, with Lautaro Martinez and Paredes on in their place.

Some very tired legs out there now, most of them seem to be in blue and white too.

17:17 , Matt Verri

101 mins: Argentina can’t get out, everyone back to deal with these set-pieces.

They’re very relieved as the whistle goes for offside, in no rush to get things back underway either.

17:16 , Matt Verri

100 mins: Another free-kick for France, this time out on the left. Coman to take.

Curled in, headed out to Fofana. Nearly 30 yards out but he decides that’s within his range - blocked. Messi then heads it behind for a corner.

17:15 , Matt Verri

99 mins: Great ball in from Coman, headed up rather than away but Martinez is there to claim.

France certainly look the more likely to win it right now, much more energy to their play. That makes the first 70 minutes, when they were really a shambles, even more bizarre.

17:13 , Matt Verri

97 mins: Romero goes full Romero.

Mbappe knocks the ball inside, and the Tottenham man comes flying in as ever. Catches the French star, who is in a bit of a pain after that challenge.

Mbappe gets up with a smirk on his face. In the mood, shall we say.

17:11 , Matt Verri

95 mins: Messi very fortunate not to be booked, after dragging Camavinga back. Generous to say the least.

Fofana is on for Rabiot in midfield, as Deschamps makes another change.

17:08 , Matt Verri

92 mins: A bit of a calmer start to extra-time, both sides aware of what they could lose.

Acuna whips a great ball into the French box, cleared out to Mac Allister who drags his effort wide.

Back underway!

17:06 , Matt Verri

Molina off for Argentina, Montiel on to deal with Mbappe. Good luck.

We’re up and running again. 30 minutes of fun ahead... maybe even followed by penalties!

Outrageous!

17:05 , Matt Verri

FT: Argentina 2-2 France

17:02 , Matt Verri

And breathe. That was a ridiculous final 15 minutes.

We’re going to extra-time in the World Cup final, and that’s down to Mbappe who just dragged France back in it.

Anyone’s guess what happens from here!

17:01 , Matt Verri

90+8 mins: Could be the best foul in World Cup final history.

France clear the corner, Coman is breaking away but Acuna comes flying in and takes him out. The most obvious yellow card you will ever see.

17:00 , Matt Verri

90+7 mins: MESSI ALMOST WINS IT!

Edge of the box, onto his left foot and smashes it at goal. Catches it so sweetly, Lloris gets enough on it to tip it over the bar.

16:58 , Matt Verri

90+6 mins: Giroud, brought off in the first-half, has been booked for something he’s said on the touchline. Don’t think there’s a cool head in the stadium right now.

Here goes Mbappe again, through to Kolo Muani who can’t take it in his stride. Would have been clean through on goal!

Mbappe is running RIOT.

16:56 , Matt Verri

90+4 mins: They can’t live with Mbappe. He skips away from Fernandez, goes for goal from 20 yards out and Otamendi does well to get a slight block on it. Deflected behind for a corner.

Coman now to the byline, cut back to Rabiot. Shot is parried out by Martinez... just about claims it in time!

16:55 , Matt Verri

90+3 mins: Free-kick France, up come the defenders. Mbappe will put this into the box.

Not his best, headed away and Acuna then completes the job. Mbappe now ahead of Messi in the Golden Boot race, after that rapid brace.

16:53 , Matt Verri

90+1 mins: Eight minutes added on!

Argentina would snap your hand off for extra-time now. Cannot keep hold of the ball.

Mbappe threatens to charge away again, offside flag up this time though. Massive smile on his face now.

Dan Kilpatrick at Lusail Stadium

16:52 , Matt Verri

At 2-2 against the Netherlands, Argentina recovered to be much the better side in extra-time and obviously win on penalties.

They’ve already been in this position once and triumphed. But what a crushing blow to be *that* close to glory and blow it.

16:51 , Matt Verri

89 mins: Got to think there’s going to be plenty of added-time, been a lot of stoppages.

Another one here, Rabiot getting some treatment after a clash of heads with Alvarez. Has calmed things down after a manic period.

16:49 , Matt Verri

87 mins: Penalty France? NO. Yellow card for Thuram, referee thinks it’s a dive.

Incredible conclusion to this match. Fernandez took a bit of a hack at him, pulled his leg away just in time.

Great call from the referee.

16:47 , Matt Verri

85 mins: Argentina are nowhere to be seen all of a sudden.

Mbappe away again on the left, clips the cross into the box and Kolo Muani heads wide. What is going on?!

Simon Collings at Lusail Stadium

16:46 , Matt Verri

My colleague, Mr Dan Kilpatrick, just grabbed me as that goal went in and said words that cannot be repeated on this blog.

Fair to say he’s shocked - and his live piece needs a tickle.

GOAL! Argentina 2-2 France | Kylian Mbappe 82'

16:44 , Matt Verri

ASTONISHING! MBAPPE AGAIN!

Argentina have fallen apart! It’s a stunning finish, ball lifted over the top and Mbappe hammers the volley past Martinez.

INCREDIBLE.

Simon Collings at Lusail Stadium

16:43 , Matt Verri

Now then...anyone remember the Dutch game? Time for Argentina to show they’ve learned their lesson and keep their heads.

GOAL! Argentina 2-1 France | Kylian Mbappe 80'

16:42 , Matt Verri

Mbappe... SCORES! JUST.

Low into the bottom corner, Martinez guesses correctly but it just about squeezes past him.

What a final ten minutes we have in store!

PENALTY FRANCE!

16:41 , Matt Verri

Kolo Muani gets in behind, Otamendi drags him down... PENALTY!

Well well well! Game on?

16:39 , Matt Verri

77 mins: De Paul has spent most of the match being kicked and the theme continues, Camavinga this time taking aim.

The midfielder again is very happy to do a few rolls and eat up a few seconds on the floor.

16:38 , Matt Verri

75 mins: Mbappe tries to drive into space, the door is slammed shut by Romero though.

Deschamps is getting increasingly annoyed on the touchline, not much to cheer him up on the pitch.

16:35 , Matt Verri

72 mins: Messi with a typically jinking run, played inside to Fernandez and he curls an effort straight at Lloris.

Still fairly cautious from France, despite their somewhat better moments. Blue shirts not exactly flooding forward.

16:33 , Matt Verri

71 mins: France have woken up here, it’s taken long enough but it’s much better.

Mbappe drifts inside, onto his right foot and it’s a decent chance from the edge of the area. Blasted over the bar though.

Hernandez and Griezmann brought off, Camavinga and Coman on.

16:30 , Matt Verri

68 mins: There is a shot! At last.

Kolo Muani should do better too, corner swung in and it’s pretty much a free header. Gets it all wrong though.

Simon Collings at Lusail Stadium

16:30 , Matt Verri

Di Maria off after what has been a dream final for him. Redemption after he could not play in the final eight years ago.

16:29 , Matt Verri

67 mins: Kolo Muani tries to get the better of Tagliafico, not happening though.

We’re midway through the second-half, and France are yet to have a shot. Not one shot. Of any kind. Madness.

16:26 , Matt Verri

64 mins: Nearly brilliant again, Alvarez nearly opens France up again.

Mac Allister looked to be in on goal, Upamecano gave him a bit of a shove to knock him off course. Just about gets away with that.

Di Maria is off, Acuna on. What a display.

16:23 , Matt Verri

61 mins: Another lovely Argentina move, Di Maria has been so, so impressive.

His cut back falls for Messi at the back post, Rabiot does well to quickly get across and close him down before the shot comes in.

No sign at all of a French comeback.

16:21 , Matt Verri

59 mins: Mbappe now kicks out at De Paul, frustration starting to get the better of France.

Alvarez is away for Argentina and gets the shot away from a tight angle, Lloris down to save that comfortably enough.

Simon Collings at Lusail Stadium

16:18 , Matt Verri

Teams have shown at this World Cup that this France team has weaknesses - mainly out wide - but no-one has exposed them like Argentina.

Incredible performance so far.

16:17 , Matt Verri

55 mins: Second yellow card of the final, as Rabiot lunges in on De Paul. He claims he got the ball, which is very much a lie. Terrible challenge.

De Paul has stayed down, though at this point it’s very difficult to tell what is just time-wasting. This does look a painful one.

16:16 , Matt Verri

53 mins: Argentina corner this time, significantly less urgency at this end of the pitch.

Messi fires it into the near post, Griezmann is there to head it away. Argentina taking an age over the throw-in now... there are going to be a fair few cards for time-wasting as this rate.

16:14 , Matt Verri

52 mins: Good from Mbappe, does well to win a corner for France. Griezmann over to take it.

Decent delivery, but it’s made to look terrible as Martinez comes quickly off his line to claim. Brilliant goalkeeping.

Here comes the Argentina counter, but Hernandez slides in to halt De Paul’s progress.

Dan Kilpatrick at Lusail Stadium

16:13 , Matt Verri

You imagine Deschamps will have reminded his team at half-time that Argentina made extremely hard work of being 2-0 up against Australia and particularly the Netherlands.

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