Argentina have done it. They have reached the pinnacle of world football once again since 1986. After an enthralling night of never-ending twists and turns, billions of people got what they have craved forever - Messi lifting the greatest prize on earth, the World Cup.
After an unsettling opening match defeat to Saudi Arabia, many wrote off the Argentinians. But they showed their grit and mettle by bulldozing their way through Mexico and Poland to make it out of the group.
In the round of 16, they beat Australia narrowly with two goals from Lionel Messi and the twenty-one-year-old Enzo Fernandez.
In the quarter-finals, they really tested the nerves of their players and fans. After leading the game comfortably through a breathtaking Messi assist for Molina, and a converted penalty by the captain, they conceded two quickfire goals scored by the Dutch giant, Wout Weghorst. But Emi Martinez came to the rescue during the penalty shootout to put them through to the semi-finals.
Against Croatia, the South American side were splendid. They cruised to a 3-0 victory after a dazzling Lionel Messi display and a brace by the Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez.
What awaited next was their most formidable task - to dethrone the reigning world champions. An intransigent French side determined to make history by becoming just the third team to lift back-to-back World Cup titles.
It was not going to be an easy path to glory for Argentina.
The closing match of the tournament was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for both teams. With unforgettable highs and haunting lows, this match was a classic.
It started with none other than Lionel Messi, who buried a penalty that was awarded after Ousmane Dembele unfairly brought down Angel Di Maria in the box.
The second goal was a piece of art. A free-flowing one-touch passing move ended with an incisive pass from Alexis Mac Allister to Di Maria, who made it 2-0 for his country.
Immortality beckoned. It looked like it was written in the stars. And as Argentina sailed to fulfilling a glorious dream, they hit an iceberg in the form of Kylian Mbappe.
The French hitman delivered two ice-cold finishes to level it at 2-2 and put everything in the balance again.
After the ninety, Argentina looked rattled and shell-shocked. But once the referee blew the whistle to kick off extra time, they showcased their resilience. Argentina were on the front foot again in search of a third that would likely be the decider.
And they got one. At least, they thought so.
They fabricated a well-worked goal that was finished (again) by the master, Lionel Messi. But their celebration was put to a quick halt when the apprentice, Kylian Mbappe, converted another penalty from the spot to tie the game. And don't forget Emi Martinez's spectacular save to lock it at 3-3.
So of course, it only made sense that a blockbuster end-to-end battle was decided in the most brutal way possible - the penalty shootout. If victorious, it would be one of the most memorable nights of your life, but if caught on the wrong side, it can be unmerciful.
Fortunately for Argentina and woefully for the French, the boys in light blue and white came out on top.
Two high-quality saves by Martinez and expertly finished penalty kicks lifted the country to perpetuity - where they will stay for eternity.
Argentina are World Cup champions.
Lionel Messi is a World Cup champion.
These words will reverberate across Argentina and the rest of the world as the players' names are etched in country folklore. What they achieved tonight was remarkable and will be remembered till the end of time.
A truly iconic game that could not have turned out any better. And an ending that could not be more fitting.
Argentina's class of 22' are World Cup champions, and Lionel Messi has collected the most valuable stone as the great Diego Maradona looks down from heaven and smiles.
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