FIFA World Cup 2022: Argentina beat France on penalties

Lionel Messi-led Argentina beat France 4-2 (3-3) via a penalty shootout to claim a third World Cup title despite Kylian Mbappe scoring the first hat-trick in a final in 56 years. Argentina had won its previous World Cup titles in 1978 and 1986.

Lionel Messi-led Argentina beat France 4-2 (3-3) via penalty shootout to win FIFA World Cup 2022 title in Qatar. Credit: Reuters Photo

Argentina defeated defending champion France to win a thrilling World Cup final in Lusail, Qatar. Credit: Reuters Photo

It is the first championship for Argentina since 1986 and third overall. Credit: Reuters Photo

It also marks a crowning achievement in the career of superstar Lionel Messi. Credit: AP Photo

Messi twice gave Argentina the lead, at 1-0 on a 23rd-minute penalty and 3-2 in the 108th minute. Credit: Reuters Photo

The outcome brought heartbreak for French star Kylian Mbappe, who joined England's Geoff Hurst (1966) as the only players with a hat trick in a World Cup final. Credit: AFP Photo

Mbappe scored from the spot in the 80th minute, leveled the match 97 seconds later and set up the shootout with his third goal on a penalty in the 118th minute. Credit: AFP Photo

As France missed their next two attempts against goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Argentina surged to the decisive 4-2 finish with penalty kicks from Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes and Gonzalo Montiel. Credit: Reuters Photo

Argentina's Lionel Messi and his team members celebrate the 2022 World Cup win. Credit: Reuters Photo

Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after being presented with the Golden Ball award. Credit: Reuters Photo