A match that was on its way to being a lopsided rout absolutely flew off the rails. But when it was done, Messi and Argentina were left lifting the trophy they so desperately craved.
A one-sided World Cup final gave way to arguably the most captivating heavyweight bout of all time—one decided by the greatest player of all time, the one that’s charging hard for his throne and, ultimately, kicks from 12 yards out.
Argentina outlasted France in penalty kicks (4–2) after a 3–3 draw to win its third World Cup and give Lionel Messi the one trophy he and his country had craved so dearly since Diego Maradaona last led La Albiceleste to the promised land in 1986.