Argentina on top of the world

* Mbappe hat-trick, Messi brace highlights of incredible final

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani crowned Argentina the champions of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as the South Americans won their third World Cup in extraordinary style at Lusail Stadium Sunday, beating France 4-2 in a penalty shootout.
Earlier, Lionel Messi scored twice in a 3-3 draw that featured a hat-trick for Kylian Mbappe as the holders recovered from 2-0 down after 80 minutes.
It was an incredible night of drama and fluctuating fortunes, delivering one of the all-time great finals to cap a wonderful tournament.
Argentina had looked to be cruising to a one-sided victory after Messi's penalty and a brilliant goal by Angel Di Maria in the first half put them in total control but Mbappe converted an 80th-minute penalty and volleyed in an equaliser a minute later to take the game to extra time.
Messi put Argentina ahead again but Mbappe levelled with another penalty, becoming the second man to score a World Cup final hat-trick after Geoff Hurst for England 1966.
That took the game to a shootout where Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez saved Kingsley Coman's penalty and Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide to give Gonzalo Montiel to chance to win it, which he gleefully took.
His Highness the Amir and FIFA President Gianni Infantino handed over the gold medals to the players of the Argentina national team. Also, His Highness the Amir, French President Emmanuel Macron and Infantino handed over silver medals to the players of the French national team, the official Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
Besides, His Highness gave the Golden Ball award to Messi for being the best player of the tournament.
The final and the prize-distribution ceremony were attended by His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, Personal Representative of His Highness the Amir.
It was also attended by a number of heads of State and heads of delegations of sisterly and friendly states, sheikhs, ministers, heads of Olympic committees and federations, heads of diplomatic missions and senior sports officials.
Earlier in the evening, His Highness the Amir attended the closing ceremony of the World Cup at Lusail Stadium along with a host of other dignitaries and officials, QNA added.