What. A. Game.
Argentina have won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi finally getting his hands on the biggest trophy in the sport.
It was an incredible final, one that served more drama than any other game in recent history. The South Americans look like they had the game won with 20 minutes or so to go, with their two goals in the first half putting them in a commanding position against France.
What follow was one of the most dramatic endings to a game you are ever likely to see.
France would somehow pull themselves back on level terms, with his stunner from Kylian Mbappe tying the match.
🇦🇷 2-2 🇫🇷
Messi lost possession and Mbappe sensationally equalised. France level after two goals in two minutes! #FIFAWorldCup final
📺 Watch live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer https://t.co/2W5kFtUOPc
📱 Live updates: https://t.co/YkNdmavlOP#FIFAWorldCup #ARGFRA pic.twitter.com/sES6WoMUc1— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 18, 2022
As it turned out, things were only getting started.
Messi would put Argentina ahead once again in injury time.
🇦🇷 3-2 🇫🇷
Messi! Argentina lead again in extra-time.
📺 Watch live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer https://t.co/2W5kFtUgZE
📱 Live updates: https://t.co/YkNdmauNZh#FIFAWorldCup #ARGFRA pic.twitter.com/bJSJKM2XsZ— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 18, 2022
However, Kylian Mbappe would have the final say in extra-time.
He scored a second spot kick of the contest to score to send the game to penalties.
Argentina would eventually get their hands on the trophy, with Gonzalo Montiel scoring the winning penalty.
🇦🇷 *3-3 🇫🇷
Montiel, who conceded a penalty late in extra-time, wins the World Cup for Argentina in the shootout! 🏆🏆🏆
📺 Reaction live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer https://t.co/2W5kFtUgZE
📱 Updates: https://t.co/YkNdmauNZh#ARGFRA pic.twitter.com/cLsBDiFhII— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 18, 2022
Roy Keane cracks Ireland gag after France World Cup loss
Very few people could argue that Argentina are not deserving winners. They brought a huge amount of emotional energy to the tournament, something that ultimately helped them get over the line.
There was a huge sense of relief when they were eventually crowned winners, with some joyous scenes on the pitch.
Roy Keane had been critical about teams over-celebrating during this tournament, although he had no such issues on this occasion. Speaking on ITV after the game, he said that this group of players, coaches, and supporters had earned the right to celebrate in any manner that they saw fit.
The biggest problem for us is our hotel tonight. They've been singing every night for the last two-and-a-half weeks, god knows what it will be like tonight...
You've got to manage them and manage the egos, he had to make changes from the first game, but when you've got people like Messi on the pitch and you're doing your coaching, you've for a chance to win some football matches...
That's part of the job. [Sciloni] has gotten them over the line, he's on the sideline kicking every ball with them. That's what you want when you have this type of group of players.
Look at this, brilliant scenes. It's brilliant.
Dance all you want! They will be dancing at the hotel tonight, they should be dancing for the next ten years!
That's when you dance. That's when you dance, when you win it.
Roy Keane said that you couldn't be too critical of France for their performance in the game, having gone agonisingly close to winning the tournament for the second time.
He was also hugely complimentary about Didier Deschamps' role in getting them that far.
However, when asked about rumours that he was set to resign in the weeks ahead, he couldn't resist a cheeky comment about their upcoming game against Ireland.
I think he will be looking at the next few months, they're playing Ireland in March in Dublin.
I think he will be resigning looking at that game. He won't fancy that.
Classic Keane.
Ireland will host France in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier on March 27th.
Facing Lionel Messi in a World Cup final is one thing, but coming into Lansdowne Road on a frosty March night a very different challenge. We think he's already rattled.
SEE ALSO: Gary Neville Launches Incredible Attack On French Star After World Cup Final Antics
