Argentina champions, Lautaro on top of the world

It's been a historic day for Argentina and Lautaro Martinez, with the Albiceleste beating France on penalties in the final of Qatar 2022, and becoming World Cup champions for the third time in their history. The Argentinians have been waiting for this moment for 36 years, after the South Americans won Mexico 1986

It was a superb and topsy-turvy final that had all the emotions that football can bring; it was a final that everyone had hoped for. Argentina and France were like two heavyweights in the centre of the ring: at the Lusail Stadium, Coach Scaloni's side made the first blows, with Argentina dominating play from early on. They took lead on the 23rd-minute mark through a Lionel Messi spot-kick, before doubling their advantage after 36 minutes with a great full-length move, ending with Di Maria's finish. France didn't give up though, and the reigning champions fought back in the second half as Mbappé grabbed a brace that took the game to extra-time.

Lautaro Martinez came on after 102 minutes, extending the streak of Inter players being involved in a World Cup final in every competition since 1982. Toro played a key role in Messi's goal to make it 3-2; it was a goal that looked to have sealed victory. But two minutes from time, France equalised through Mbappé's second penalty of the night, which brought the final result to 3-3.

The game ended with a penalty shootout: Argentina were deadly from the spot and didn't miss any of those taken, with Messi, Dybala, Paredes and Montiel all firing home. Instead, Coman and Tchouameni failed to convert for France, with strikes by Mbappé and Kolo Muani in the end not enough.

Argentina triumphed and won their third World Cup, with Lautaro Martinez earning himself the title of World Champion in his first-ever tournament participation.

Congratulations Lautaro!