KYLIAN MBAPPE was inconsolable on the France bench as he watched Lionel Messi lift the World Cup trophy.
The French superstar became the first player since Sir Geoff Hurst to score a hat-trick in the biggest game in football with a stunning treble against Argentina.
He then netted his penalty in a dramatic shootout – only to see rival keeper Emiliano Martinez save twice to condemn the reining champions to defeat after a 3-3 draw.
Mbappe, 23, went into the showpiece in Qatar level with Paris Saint-Germain, and Argentina talisman, Lionel Messi, on five goals in the tournament.
Messi himself had netted twice in the breathtaking final – making it seven goals a piece – when Mbappe was presented an opportunity to level things up in the 118th minute.
And he held his nerve under the highest of pressure to clinch the Golden Boot, and keep his nation’s dreams alive.
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This came following an incredible final which ended 3-3 after extra-time with both players at the heart of the action.
Messi had started the scoring off, putting Argentina ahead from the penalty spot and in the process moved one in front of Mbappe in the race to become top scorer.
Angel Di Maria doubled their lead soon after and the South American champions looked on course to win trophy.
But France clawed themselves back thanks to Mbappe with two goals in an exhilarating two minute spell.
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Firstly, he scored a penalty of his own to get his side back into the game before restoring parity moments later with a fine volley.
As a result, he went back in front of Messi in the Golden Boot race.
But Messi looked to have won the World Cup and beat his team-mate to the added prize when he scrambled home 14 minutes into extra-time.
However, Mbappe wasn’t finished there, scoring another spot-kick in the 118th minute to not only take the game to penalties but to earn himself the Golden Boot prize.
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Mbappe and Messi would both score again from 12-yards in the shootout.
But it was Mbappe who was left heartbroken as Messi fulfilled his destiny and achieved World Cup glory at his final attempt.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
