Kathmandu (GoalNepal) - Argentina have been crowned FIFA World Cup 2022 champions. Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties in the final to win the world title for the third time in their history, the first since a Maradona-inspired run in Mexico in 1986.

Argentina were awarded a penalty in the 23rd minute of the match after Angel Di Maria was fouled inside the box by Ousmane Dembele. Lionel Messi stepped up to take the penalty and calmly converted it to give his nation the lead. It was a swift counterattack from Argentina that Di Maria finished doubling their lead in the 36th minute. Alexic Mac Allister was free on the right-hand side who was alert to cross the ball to Di Maria who finished past Hugo Lloris with ease. The first half ended 2-0.

The turmoil started in the second half after France returned from the dead to equalize quickly. Kylian Mbappe, as he had shined throughout the tournament, was the man at the forefront. Mbappe converted a penalty in the 80th minute after Otamendi fouled Kolo Muani in the box. And a minute later, the PSG sensation racked up a volley past Emiliano Martinez to force extra time.

The drama didn't stop in the added thirty minutes, either. Argentine talisman narrowly put the ball past the goal line to give his team the lead again in the 108th minute. But just three minutes from time, France were handed another penalty after a handball from Gonzalo Montiel inside the box. Mbappe again stepped up to convert the penalty to score a hat-trick in the World Cup final. Penalties awaited after that.

And in the shootout, the Argentines held their nerves. Kingsley Coman's penalty was saved by Emiliano Martinez while Aurelien Tchouameni dragged his penalty wide to add to France's misery. Mbappe and Kolo Muani swiftly converted their spot kicks.

For Argentina, Lionel Messi, Leandro Paredes, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Montiel scored their penalties to hand their country the World Cup title.

France's Kylian Mbappe finished the tournament as the highest scorer with eight goals. Argentina's talisman Lionel Messi rakced uo seven goals and was named the player of the tournament.