ARGENTINA HAVE WON THE WORLD CUP!

In what was arguably the best World Cup final of all time, Lionel Messi and Argentina lifted football’s biggest prize. It was a dream start for Argentina.

Angel Di Maria would get fouled in the penalty area and Argentina would be awarded a penalty kick. Up stepped Lionel Messi and he would make no mistake scoring. Lionel Messi had now scored in a World Cup final.

Angel Di Maria wasn’t done. A great counter attack started by Lionel Messi and it would fall to Alexis Mac Allister. He would square it to Angel Di Maria who would score to make it 2-0 for Argentina.

But the dream start, slowly started to look like a nightmare. Despite holding a 2-0 lead for 80 minutes, it was a penalty by Nicolas Otamendi which gave France a life line. Mbappe would score the penalty and 90 seconds later, would score France’s second goal of the match.

It was now 2-2 and going into extra time. France continued to press but a shot by Lautaro Martinez was saved by Hugo Lloris but Lionel Messi would get to the rebound and score. It was now 3-2 Argentina with minutes left in extra time.

A corner kick by France and a shot into the penalty area touched Gonzalo Montiel’s arm and France were awarded another penalty. Mbappe would score and we were off to penalty kicks.

France were up first with Mbappe who would score. Lionel Messi was up for Argentina and he would score. But just like every penalty shootout with Emiliano Martinez, he would be the difference.

Emiliano Martinez would save Kingsley Coman’s effort and Dybala would convert his to make it 2-1 for Argentina. Aurelien Tchouameni was up next and he missed his penalty. Leandro Paredes would score and it was 3-1 for Argentina.

Randal Kolo Muani had to score and he did. The pressure was now on Gonzalo Montiel. And with his kick of the ball, he would score and Argentina were crowned World champions.

Tears flowing, hugs, kisses, celebrations. Argentina now have a third star on their shirt.

Nicolás Tagliafico will start in place of Marcos Acuña in the World Cup final.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni will start Tagliafico in place of Acuna due to physical reasons. Acuña was in the starting eleven but it will be Tagliafico. Here is the starting eleven for the World Cup:

Martínez; Tagliafico, Otamendi, Romero, Molina; De Paul, Enzo, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez, Di María

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has announced his starting eleven for the World Cup final.

Lionel Scaloni will start Angel Di Maria. He last played against Netherlands in the quarter finals. Here is the starting eleven for the World Cup:

Martínez; Acuña, Otamendi, Romero, Molina; De Paul, Enzo, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez, Di María

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has not confirmed the team with two possible line-ups tried in training for the World Cup final.

Lionel Scaloni has a fully fit and healthy Ángel Di María for the World Cup. According to TyC Sports, Scaloni tried two different teams in training, with one difference. Here was the first team that was tried:

Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Marcos Acuña; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.

The second one had Ángel Di María in place of Lisandro Martínez.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference on Saturday before the World Cup final.

Lionel Scaloni will coach in a World Cup final on Sunday and he spoke about the Argentina national team and the World Cup final. Here is what he had to say:

“The group is in their best moment. Tomorrow’s match is Argentina against France, beyond Messi and Mbappe.

“We called up a ton of players in this process. We are very happy with that. All of those who have gone through this national team left on good footing. That was achieved, without a doubt.

“Our biggest win is that everyone feels part of it. That is fundamental. We have to enjoy these moments until the match starts. All of this will remain in history.

“I am proud and enthusiastic about the moment we are living. We are on the verge of a final but the important thing is the road to get here.

“I hope everyone can join us and we give them joy.

“Hopefully we can win the cup, it would be great. We know how to attack them, we have a clear game plan.

“I believe we have the best fans in the world. They needed joy and I believe we are giving it to them.

“Football is more than a sport. The people have been happy during this World Cup and for us, that is wonderful.”

Scaloni was also asked about Lionel Messi:

“If it’s Leo’s last match with Argentina, we hope we can win the cup. There isn’t a better scenario than a World Cup final to enjoy it.”

Regarding the World Cup final:

“France have a team that supplied Mbappe and makes him an even better player. He is one of the great players, he is young and he will continue to improve.

“I don’t think the referee can hurt anyone. He refereed well against Australia, let’s hope he does it again.

“We cannot only think about winning every duel. There are too many factors to analyze well and to try not to fail.

“I have already decided how we are going to line-up. We know where we can hurt the opponent.

“You have to play the matches minute by minute because it could change. We are prepared for that.”