Argentina are world champions. Lionel Messi is a world champion. South America have triumphed over Europe. And irrespective of which team you were supporting, this has been a final to cherish.
Football, in its most unadulterated and exhilarating version.
Goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria helped Argentina secure a 2-0 lead early on, before Kylian Mbappe netted a brace in the second half. Messi struck again in extra time, and right on cue, Mbappe completed his hat-trick.
Then on penalties, Argentina rose again. Emerged from ruins. Phoenix - all 26 of them.
That's about it from Qatar. We will not forget it anytime soon.
Lionel Messi has given his Argentina fans another reason to celebrate, saying he has no plans of retiring from international football just yet.
On Sunday, the 35-year-old guided his country to its third title with a 4-2 shootout victory over France.
“I want to play a few more games as a world champion. I was lucky to clinch every title in my career; this was the only one missing. I want to take this one there (to Argentina) and enjoy it with everybody else.”
- Lionel Messi, G.O.A.T 🐐
