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      Topless Argentina supporter risks jail in Qatar as she’s seen on TV stripping off to celebrate sensational World Cup win

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      A TOPLESS Argentina fan risked jail tonight after she was spotted on TV stripping off to celebrate their dramatic World Cup win. After Gonzalo Montiel’s decisive penalty kick, the TV cameras panned to the jubilant Argentina fans.
      Fans spotted a topless fan during the World Cup finalCredit: BBC
      The blonde supporter was celebrating Argentina’s win over FranceCredit: BBC
      And one blonde woman left nothing to the imagination as she celebrated with her top off.
      Glam footie fans risk being slapped with huge fines – or even put behind bars if they flash their figures in Qatar.

      Although non-Qatari women don’t need to wear the abaya – the long, black robe – their tops must cover their midriff and shoulders, and skirts, dresses and trousers must cover the knees.
      Women travelling in to the Arab nation are also banned from wearing any tight clothing, or flashing any cleavage.
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      And WAGs were advised to wear a scarf around their necks in a bid to cover up their busts.
      Fans were quick to take to social media to point out the topless woman risked arrest due to the nation’s very strict conservative laws.
      One fan said: “I spotted her, very brave! she’ll be arrested over there if she’s not careful…”
      A second added: “Caught live on TV”.
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      A third commented: “I’d be posting my boobs later to celebrate Messi and Argentina World Cup.”
      The World Cup’s “hottest fan”, former Miss Croatia Ivana Knoll, has previously flouted strict rules as she appeared at games in skimpy outfits.
      The game was hailed as one of the best World Cup finals ever after Argentina overcame the French 4-2 on penalties following a 3-3 thriller.
      The South Americans started the better side as Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria scored in the first half.
      France and Kylian Mbappe hit back in the second half as the PSG forward netted a crucial brace to send the game to extra time.
      Messi and Mbappe directed fist-pumps at each other after their respective goals.
      The Argentine captain had thought he had won the game in extra time before Mbappe had one more chance from the spot after Montiel handled the ball in the box.
      Jubilant Argentina fans went wild today as the country celebrated its first World Cup win for 36 years.
      Thousands poured into the streets of Buenos Aires to watch Argentina take the trophy after a nerve-shredding final.
      Joyous footage showed thousands of euphoric fans leaping into the air and waving flags.
      After the astonishing game, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said: “There could not have been a World Cup that I have dreamed of like this. I was calm during the penalties.”
      For Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni it was a nail-biting finish to a turbulent tournament and he could not hold back his tears following the final whistle.
      “I cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game. Unbelievable, but this team responds to everything,” Scaloni said.
      “I am proud of the work they did. It is an exciting group. With the blows we received today, with the draws, this makes you emotional. I want to tell people to enjoy, it’s a historic moment for our country.”
      It was the third world title for Argentina and the first since the late Diego Maradona won the trophy almost single-handedly in 1986.
      For Argentina players and captain Messi, who netted twice in the 120 minutes before also scoring in the shoot-out, it was the biggest title of their careers.
      Messi’s Argentine team had made the final as recently as 2014 but on that occasion they finished second best to Germany.
      “I’ll never forget it. We had to suffer but we deserved to win,” Argentina defender Rodrigo De Paul said.
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      “We’ve beaten the last champions, it’s a joy I cannot put into words.
      “I’m proud of being born in Argentina and today we are on top of the world.” More

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      How much does the World Cup trophy cost and what is it made out of?

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      THE FIFA World Cup is one of the most-viewed sports events in the world.The winner out of Argentina vs France in today’s final gets to lift the prestigious World Cup trophy.
      The current FIFA World Cup trophy was first used in Germany 1974
      What is the World Cup trophy called?
      The current trophy is called the Fifa World Cup Trophy.
      Before Fifa awarded teams with a different trophy called the Jules Rimet trophy.
      It was named after the Fifa President who founded the tournament back in 1929.
      However, in 1974, a new gold trophy was made and was first lifted by Germany as World Cup winners against The Netherlands.
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      West Germany scored two goals thanks to Paul Breitner’s penalty and a goal from Gerhard Muller.
      These goals helped make a comeback against The Netherlands who had a penalty scored by Johan Neeskens in the second minute of the final.
      The Fifa World Cup Trophy has been lifted by many great footballers such as Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and Fabio Cannavaro among many others and weighs in at a hefty 6.2kg.
      Fifa’s regulations now state that the trophy, unlike its predecessor, cannot be won outright, with the winners of the tournament receiving a bronze replica.
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      How much gold is in the World Cup trophy?
      The trophy is solid gold, and depicts two figures holding up the world.
      With the base removed, it still weighs over 5kg and the gold is 18-carat.
      It was designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga and beat competition from 53 other submissions.
      How much does the World Cup trophy cost?
      When it was first created, the trophy cost around $50,000.
      However, over time its value increased and is now estimated to cost around $20million.
      Where is the original World Cup trophy?
      As we said before, the original was called the Jules Rimet Trophy and was used between 1930 and 1970.
      Before 1946, it was called Victory, however, the name changed in honour of Jules Rimet.
      Famously stolen in 1966 and then found by Pickles the dog, Bobby Moore lifted the trophy in England’s only World Cup triumph.
      Rimet had stipulated before his death that if a team won the tournament three times they could keep the gong – and Brazil managed to achieve that feat in 1970.
      Sadly the trophy was stolen again in 1983 and it is widely believed that the thieves melted it down. More

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      John Terry jokes ‘I did it first’ as Sergio Aguero coping ex-Chelsea captain with full kit World Cup celebrations

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      JOHN TERRY joked “I did it first” as Sergio Aguero wore full kit to celebrate Argentina winning the World Cup.Aguero was forced to retire from football last December but the former La Albiceleste star joined the rest of the team to celebrate their thrilling shootout victory over France in Qatar.
      Sergio Aguero put his full kit on to celebrate winning the World Cup with Lionel MessiCredit: PA
      The ex-Manchester City striker was loving the celebrations
      John Terry did the same when Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      The amazing scenes came following arguably the best World Cup final of all time.
      Lionel Messi started it off by putting Argentina ahead from the penalty spot before Angel Di Maria’s strike put them on the cusp of glory.

      But France battled back from nowhere and were suddenly level within the space of 60 seconds thanks to the devastating Kylian Mbappe.
      As a result, the game went to extra-time.
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      The night looked like belonging to Messi when he scored his second and Argentina’s third early in the second period of extra-time.
      But there was further drama to follow when Mbappe struck home his second spot-kick to complete his hat-trick and send the game to penalties.
      Both Messi and Mbappe were successful from 12-yards.
      Although Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni failed to score and Argentina won 4-2 on penalties.
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      Terry wasn’t impressed with Aguero’s lack of shin padsCredit: John Terry Twitter
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      Cue wild celebrations from the entire Argentina squad, who ended 36 years of pain on the World Cup stage.
      Joining them on the pitch was Aguero, who won more than 100 caps for his country and played at three World Cups.
      But the ex-Manchester City striker was forced to hang up his boots 12 months due to his health.
      However, Aguero, who recently flew out to Qatar to cheer on his former team and has been rooming with good friend Messi, was on the pitch celebrating with his old pals.
      And Aguero repeated what Terry did when Chelsea won the Champions League by putting on his full kit before joining in.

      Even the former Blues captain recognised the moment.
      Speaking on BeIN Sports Terry said: “Aguero has gone for the full John Terry there hasn’t he?! I did it first.”
      He later added on Twitter: “If your going to do it, at least go for it and put the shin pads and boots on.” More

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      Who is Argentina’s World Cup hero Gonzalo Montiel?

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      ARGENTINA have WON the World Cup – and they have one very unlikely hero to thank. Lionel Messi and Co beat France 4-2 on penalties to win their first World Cup since 1986 after 120 minutes of action finished 3-3.
      Gonzalo Montiel won the World Cup final for ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      Argentina were the better side for large parts of the game, but a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick pulled them into the incredible game.
      The match eventually went to penalties, where both Messi and Mbappe scored their spot kicks.
      Aurelien Tchouameni and Kinglsey Coman missed their penalties for France.
      And then a hero stepped up for Argentina – Gonzalo Montiel.
      Who is Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel?
      An unlikely match-winner to say the least, Montiel plays his club football for Sevilla as a right-back.
      Montiel started the game on the bench, but came on for Lionel Scaloni’s side in the 91st minute.
      The 25-year-old defended heroically during extra-time, but he gave away the crucial penalty which Mbappe scored to level things at 3-3.
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      Montiel, however, had the last laugh as he stepped up to take Argentina’s fourth penalty.
      Cool and collected, Montiel placed the ball to the bottom left of the goal while Hugo Lloris dived the wrong way.
      Montiel began his career with River Plate but moved to Sevilla last year on a three-year deal. More

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      France ratings: Mbappe secures legacy by emulating Geoff Hurst as woeful Giroud and Dembele are hauled off in first half

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      IT was disappointment for France in the World Cup final as they were beaten by Argentina 4-2 on penalties, despite a courageous comeback.Lionel Messi and Co were rampant in the opening 45 minutes as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and Angel Di Maria scored as the Argentine’s raced into a two goal lead.
      Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the finalCredit: Getty
      Kinglsey Coman missed a decisive spot-kickCredit: Getty
      But when all French hope was seemingly lost Kylian Mbappe netted a brace to give Les Bleus a chance and force an additional half an hour of play.
      In the 109th minute Messi scored a scrappy goal, but then just nine minutes later Mbappe got his hat-trick to send it to penalties.
      Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni missed the all-important kicks as Argentina won.
      Here is how SunSport rated the France star’s performances in the dramatic game.

      France Ratings
      Hugo Lloris – 6
      Tottenham skipper was furious at the early knock from Romero. No chance with the Messi penalty or Di Maria’s second. Flying leap to foil Messi late-on. Could not stop a pen in the shootout.
      Jules Kounde – 4
      Was targeted down his flank but it was his decision to leave Di Maria to Dembele and stay deep that proved costly before failing to stop second.
      Raphael Varane – 5
      The United defender let Upamecano take care of Alvarez to play free. Helpless when France rocked under the Argentine passion play.
      Dayot Upamecano – 6
      Restored to side after missing semi-final and no real mistakes yet never quite looked composed. Big moments in extra-time.
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      Theo Hernandez – 6
      All too aware of Messi but will feel let down by Mbappe’s unwillingness to do any of the donkeywork in support of him.
      Adrien Rabiot – 4
      Declared fit again after a bug but clearly he was not. Has been superb until the final but nowhere near as influential as he had been until the last eight. Booked.
      Aurelien Tchouameni – 6
      Calmness about his game is remarkable even when those around him seemed for a long time to have gone absent without leave. Missed a crucial penalty.
      Antoine Griezmann – 5
      Arguably the player of the tournament until the final yet was unable to make any real impact as France fell off their bike.
      Ousmane Dembele – 3
      Scrambled brain saw him trip Di Maria to hand Argentina the spot-kick lead and never recovered mentally before his early replacement.
      Olivier Giroud – 4
      Starved of any service in open play and committed foul before getting underneath his one set-piece chance. Clearly furious at being hooked before the break and then booked an HOUR later.
      Kylian Mbappe scored an incredible hat-trick in the final
      Kylian Mbappe – 9
      Zero to hero. Incredible. Was he playing in the first half? Looked like he’d picked the biggest game of his career to have the worst day of his life. Then….remarkable. The first World Cup final hat-trick since Hurst in 1966.
      Subs:
      Randal Kolo Muani (for Dembele 41) – 6
      Scored with his first touch in the semi and while he could not repeat that he gave France the thrust and dynamism they had been lacking to win that spot-kick.
      Marcus Thuram (for Giroud 41) – 7
      Handed the graveyard shift that had broken Mbappe’s spirit and tried to breathe life into France on the left. Booked.
      Kingsley Coman (for Griezmann 71) – 7
      Arrival signalled a final throw of the French dice. And it came up with a pair of sixes. Missed penalty.
      Eduardo Camavinga (for Hernandez 71) – 6
      Looked too late for Real Madrid youngster to change a script that had seemingly long been written, especially at left-back. Conventional wisdom was wrong.
      Youssouf Fofana (for Rabiot 96) – 6
      Concussion sub made sure he kept his head amid the maelstrom of extra-time passion.
      Ibrahima Kounate (for Varane 112) – 5
      Desperate times require desperate acts. But there was little the Liverpool defender could do.
      Axel Disasi (for Kounde 120) – 5
      No time to make any impact.
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      Referee: Szymon Marciniak – 8
      Polish whistler was perfectly on the spot to make the big penalty call. Kept his head when some players were losing theirs. Brilliant spot of the Thuram dive. More

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      Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 pens) LIVE RESULT: Lionel Messi and Argentina WIN World Cup on penalties – latest reaction

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      LIONEL MESSI and Argentina have WON an incredible World Cup final after a thrilling penalty shoot-out!And it all went down to pure shoot-out drama with both Kylian Mbappe and Messi scoring.
      Kylian Mbappe had completed his hat-trick in extra-time to send a sensational final into penalties after Messi had put Argentina back in front.

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      Monstrous performance
      He wasn’t even stating games for his club three years ago.
      Now he’s a Copa America and World Cup champion with Argentina.
      Emi Martinez was outstanding in the final against France.
      Credit: Getty
      Permission to dance?
      It’s been granted by Roy Keane!
      He says Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni deserves to enjoy his moment.
      “He’s got them over the line, he’s on the sidelines kicking every ball,” Keane said.
      “That emotion that we talk about, it’s vital for this group of players and it got them over the line.
      “What brilliant scenes. Dance all you want! They’ll be dancing at the hotel tonight. Dance for the next 10 years! That’s when you dance – when you win it.”
      Credit: Getty
      Magic moment
      Messi finally had his crowning moment as Argentina beat France on penalties in a thrilling game.
      Credit: Getty
      Game for the ages
      It was a World Cup final that won’t be forgotten for years to come.
      The storyline before the game surrounded Messi’s battle with Mbappe, and both men duly delivered on the grandest stage of them all.
      Messi scored a brace, but Mbappe snatched the Golden Boot away from his PSG team-mate with a hat-trick of his own.
      But it was Messi’s night, just like it was Mbappe’s four-and-a-half years ago.
      Credit: Getty
      Emotional Messi
      Lionel Messi celebrated his emotional World Cup win with his wife and their children on the Lusail Stadium pitch.
      The Argentine captain scored twice and then converted his penalty in the shootout as he finally got his hands on the famous trophy.

      But after collecting the Golden Ball for the best player at Qatar 2022 and then lifting the trophy with his team-mates, Messi took time to soak in the moment with his nearest and dearest.
      Wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their sons Thiago, ten, Mateo, seven and Ciro, four, as well as his parents and extended family all joined him on the pitch – many of them wearing replica away shirts with his name on the back.
      The lads took turns to hold the Golden Ball trophy and their dad’s World Cup winner’s medal.
      And Antonela, who seemed to wipe away tears of joy, even got her hands on the main piece of silverware, giving it a kiss and raising it aloft – before the boys did the same.
      Inside Argentina’s celebrations
      Argentina wildly celebrated their World Cup victory in the dressing room after the match.
      In footage recorded by Argentine legend Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi and Co could be seen getting the party started immediately after leaving the pitch.

      Aguero, 34, was forced to retire with health issues last year – but was invited back into the Argentina camp this week and made to still feel part of the victory.
      The former Manchester City star even donned a full kit to get into the spirit of things, and his Instagram Live footage documented Argentina’s brilliant celebrations.
      His video began with a moment that will warm City fans’ hearts – as he chatted with current Etihad hero Julian Alvarez.
      Aguero then started swigging from a bottle, as the squad danced and sang to Latin music.
      After the ex-striker had a chat with Angel Di Maria, he then captured another star on camera sensationally somersaulting into a bin.
      Much more singing and dancing was to follow, with tournament sponsors Budweiser leaving plenty of bottles of beer out for the squad.
      Messi then sensationally returned to the dressing room clutching the World Cup itself, clambering up on to the table and jumping up and down on it.
      Boss Lionel Scaloni then arrived donning a retro Argentina shirt, and was promptly drenched by his players.
      Argentina’s sing-song continued as Aguero was gleefully dragged into a Conga.
      A $10million dollar check was brought in by an official and held by Messi, who then danced with the huge prize.
      Aguero then recorded Messi scrolling through his phone, without his old pal realising.
      Stars also sang and danced as they went through the mixed zone after the match.
      Messi replicates Maradona
      Lionel Messi replicated Diego Maradona’s pose from 1986 as Argentina finally lifted the World Cup again after a 36-year wait.
      Messi drove his country on throughout the tournament and was instrumental in the dramatic final win over France.

      The victory sparked mass celebrations in which Messi was lifted above the rest of his team-mates while holding the trophy in the air.
      Maradona, who was the star of the World Cup in Mexixo 36 years ago, also held the trophy aloft with the rest of the squad around him when he got his hands on the trophy.
      Messi scored seven goals and assisted a further three on La Albiceleste’s way to glory in Qatar.
      Maradona was just as influential during Mexico ’86, getting five goals and five assists.
      Messi retirement u-turn
      World Cup winner Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not be retiring from international football.
      There had been suggestions that the 35-year-old would retire from international football after the final, but he has shot those rumours down.
      He told TyC Sports after the game: “I am not retiring from the Argentina national team.
      “I want to continue playing as a champion”.
      Dodgy goal
      Lionel Messi’s second goal in the World Cup final should NOT have stood, eagle eyed fans claim.
      The Argentine superstar bagged twice on the way to his side winning the trophy he coveted most in a thriller against France.

      Messi, 35, put his side back in front in the 108th minute, however, netting the rebound after Hugo Lloris saved Lautaro Martinez’s shot.
      It initially appeared that the effort might be ruled out for offside, when the linesman momentarily raised his flag.
      But when TV pictures confirmed Martinez had in fact been onside in the build-up, the goal, which was nearly cleared off the line by defender Dayot Upamecano, was allowed to stand.
      Watching a wide angle of the goal back, however, some fans believe that it should have been chalked off.
      In a snap posted to Twitter, two Argentina substitutes could be seen on the pitch as Messi took the shot.
      Their hasty celebrations meant that their side had 13 players on the field.
      Ibrahimovic unimpressed
      Fans all said the same thing as Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacted to Lionel Messi winning the World Cup.
      The Swedish giant, 41, was in the stands of the Lusail Stadium as Argentina eventually beat France in a truly epic final.

      Argentina led 2-0 and 3-2 before Messi at long last got his hands on the World Cup trophy after Gonzalo Montiel slotted the winning penalty into the back of the net.
      But as Messi fell to his knees in joyful celebration, one man looked rather unimpressed.
      Ibrahimovic remained stoney-faced with his wife Helena Seger.
      That is despite his former team-mate finally getting his hands on the one trophy that eluded him.
      Argie fans go wild
      Jubilant Argentina fans went wild today as the country celebrated its first World Cup win for 36 years.
      Thousands poured into the streets of Buenos Aires to watch Argentina take the trophy after a nerve-shredding final.

      Joyous footage showed thousands of euphoric fans leaping into the air and waving flags as a penalty shoot-out saw Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel score the winner.
      Fans were seen weeping with joy after Argentina beat France 4-2 in Qatar on penalties.
      It’s the first World Cup win for Argentina in 36 years.
      Hundreds of fans gathered to watch the match at the former home of the late football star Diego Maradona – and dived into the pool after the final whistle.
      Martinez’s x-rated act
      Emiliano Martinez has divided opinion with his X-rated celebration after winning the Golden Glove.
      The Aston Villa goalkeeper put in an outstanding performance in the World Cup final as Argentina beat France 3-3 (4-2 on penalties).

      He was awarded the individual accolade for being the best goalkeeper in the tournament and when he was handed the trophy, Martinez reacted in an unique way.
      The 30-year-old shook hands with Fifa representatives, including Gianni Infantino, before holding the gold award in front of his private area while leaning back and pulling an odd face.
      Martinez shocked fans worldwide, one Tweeted: “Never had Martinez using the Golden Glove trophy as a sex toy on my World Cup final bingo card.”
      A second commented: “What on Earth was he thinking?”
      Three stars
      Argentina have revealed their new badge for the national football side after winning their third World Cup trophy.
      The new badge includes a third star representing the triumph at the tournament in Qatar.

      Argentina won the World Cup after a thrilling clash against France.
      The two sides battled to a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes and then in extra time both scored to take the game to penalties.
      Argentina went perfect in the shootout with Gonzalo Montiel scoring the decisive penalty.
      Every nation that has won a World Cup is able to put a star above its badge as a nod to the win.
      Messi’s a traditionalist
      Lionel Messi wore a traditional Arab robe as he lifted the World Cup trophy this evening.
      The Argentine superstar finally got his hands on the cup he coveted most after a thrilling match against previous world champions France.

      After a stunning 3-3 draw, Argentina prevailed 4-2 on penalties following Emi Martinez’s theatrics.
      A lengthy ceremony followed, with Messi being awarded the Golden Ball award for best player of the tournament.
      Following medal hand-outs for both teams, the 35-year-old finally had an opportunity to lift the trophy.
      Just before he did so, he was gifted a traditional Arab robe by the Emir of Qatar while standing next to Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
      Mbappe steals Golden Boot
      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.

      Cheeky Messi
      Lionel Messi has finally got his hands on the coveted prize.
      Well, not quite. The Argentinian couldn’t help but give the trophy a quick kiss as he went up to the podium to collect his Golden Ball trophy for tournament’s best player.

      Minutes later, he would be able to lift it for real with his team-mates.
      But it was this cheeky interchange that showed exactly what it meant to him.
      Martinez dance
      Emi Martinez’s “s***house” theatrics helped Argentina beat France on penalties in the World Cup final.
      The thrilling clash went to spot kicks after a pulsating 3-3 draw in Qatar.

      The shimmying, swaggering Aston Villa goalkeeper saved Kingsley Coman’s spot kick.
      He then won a battle of mind games with Aurelien Tchouameni to put Argentina close to the finishing line.
      Tchouameni, 22, was made to wait an age to take his penalty after Martinez threw the ball away.
      The referee booked the stopper for his unsportsmanlike conduct – but the damage had been done.
      The French midfielder missed the target altogether, with Martinez performing a dance in celebration.
      Topless Argie fan
      Fans are convinced that they spotted a topless Argentina fan celebrating the team’s World Cup win.
      After Gonzalo Montiel’s decisive penalty kick, the TV cameras panned to the jubilant Argentina fans.

      Viewers are sure that they spotted one Argentina supporter celebrating with her shirt off.
      One blonde fan can be spotted with her shirt in hand while appearing to be wearing nothing else on her torso.
      Fans took to social media to discuss the sighting as one said: “I spotted her, very brave! she’ll be arrested over there if she’s not careful…”
      A second added: “Caught live on TV”.
      Argentina World Cup celebrations
      Argentina have finally won their first World Cup since 1986 in Diego Maradona’s glory years.
      Lionel Messi has finally won the one title that has eluded him throughout his illustrious 18-year career.
      This will go down in history as one of the most unforgettable finals in the competition’s history
      Credit: Reuters
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: AP
      Argentina are world champions
      Argentina have won the 2022 World Cup and are flying high in Qatar!
      Lionel Messi has finally lifted the golden trophy for the first time in 18-year career.
      Amazing scenes at the Lusail Stadium with Argentina fans rocking on the stands.
      A stunning fireworks display takes place in the ground as the rest of the team joins the players on stage
      Credit: Getty
      Argentina awards time
      Argentina are now entering the stage for their gold medals!
      They are all looking ecstatic as they are about to lift their first World Cup since 1986.
      We are finally about to see Lionel Messi holding that golden trophy after 18 years.
      What a moment this is for Argentina!
      Credit: Reuters
      France get their medals
      France players have now entered the stage for their silver medals, which they are handed by their President Emmanuel Macron.
      Argentina give Les Bleus a guard of honour on their awards.
      Players look understandably dejected, especially star man Kylian Mbappe.
      They came so close to retaining the world title…
      Credit: Reuters

      More awards
      Argentina star Emiliano Martinez has been awarded as the best goalkeeper of the 2022 World Cup – major recognition for Aston Villa.
      France superstar Kylian Mbappe has been awarded as the tournament’s top scorer.
      Mbappe scored a total of eight goals in seven matches, in which he also registered two assists.
      The Paris Saint-Germain hero is too disappointed to enjoy this success and looks like he wants to be anywhere else but there, same as French President Emmanuel Macron.
      Lionel Messi is now awarded as the tournament’s best player – very well deserved.
      Messi exits the stage by giving the World Cup trophy a cheeky kiss before he lifts it
      Credit: Reuters
      Trophy has arrived
      The World Cup trophy has arrived on the pitch of the Lusail Stadium.
      FIFA president Gianni Infantino has ben joined by Qatar chiefs and Frenchrench President Emmanuel Macron.
      The referees have been awarded and it is now time for awards with Enzo Fernandez, 21, being awarded as the best young player of the 2022 World Cup.
      Fernandez has beaten a raft of young stars, such as England’s Bellingham
      Credit: Getty
      Macron comforts Mbappe
      French President Emmanuel Macron has entered the pitch to congratulate France’s stars after a stunning performance.
      Kylian Mbappe was inconsolable and Macron did his best to comfort him after his stunning performance.
      Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also tried to calm the star striker.
      An incredible performance by both the Paris Saint-Germain superstar and the Tricolores
      Credit: AP
      Credit: EPA
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      Argentina ratings: Lionel Messi finally follows Maradona’s footsteps as Martinez has night of his life in World Cup win

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      LIONEL MESSI ended his World Cup career on the highest of highs as he led Argentina to a historic final win over France.Until today the 35-year-old had won every trophy available to him except the World Cup.
      Messi led Argentina to World Cup gloryCredit: Getty
      Argentina won on penaltiesCredit: Reuters
      But following a stellar performance, he finally got his hands on that iconic Jules Rimet trophy.
      It was an incredible effort from a resilient Argentina side, especially considering THAT opening game defeat to Saudi Arabia.
      On a historic day for football in Argentina, SunSport’s Martin Lipton rates the performance.
      Emi Martinez
      Aston Villa keeper looked nervous before the game but had the evening of his life with that astonishing extra-time save from Kolo Muani and then shoot-out gamesmanship. 8
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      Nahuel Molina
      Kept a tight rein on Mbappe, forcing the france superstar to move to the middle. Slightly harder job with Thuram. Still the winner.  7
      Cristian Romero
      Spurs hardman left one on club skipper Lloris and also Hernandez but relishes these sort of affairs and absolutely loved every minute of this one. 7
      Nicolas Otamendi
      His brain-fade moment turned a victory cruise into a desperate fight for survival and opened the door for one of the greatest games of all time. 6
      Nicolas Tagliafico
      Wanted to get forward but delivered all he had to do defensively against both right-sided French options until he faded. 6
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      Rodrigo de Paul
      Argentina’s midfielder enforcer did exactly what it said on the tin. Nothing fancy, nothing eye-catching but created the platform his side needed. 7
      Enzo Fernandez
      Buzzed around in trademark style to slow France down whenever they tried to impose a rhythm on the game. Booked.  7 
      Alexis Mac Allister
      Brighton man had first shot of the final and brilliant run to set up Di  Maria. The Seagull has landed. 7
      Lionel Messi
      All the disappointments and frustrations can be forgotten. The little man has followed in Maradona’s footsteps. Always available, nerveless under pressure and there to score crucial goals and his spot-kick. 9
      Julian Alvarez
      City youngster has had better games in Qatar but he will not care too much now. Still been an outstanding month. 7
      Angel Di Maria 
      Surprise selection on the left of the attacking trident won the penalty with his directness and then slotted home after that lightning break. He left the field sure of victory before everything changed. 9
      Subs:
      Marcos Acuna (for Di Maria, 64)
      Very much a “we hold what we have” change as Argentina ensured there was no way back for France. Didn’t quite work out that way. Booked. 5
      Gonzalo Montiel (for Molina, 91)
      Defensive change on the left in a bid to nullify the resurgent Mbappe in extra-time. Booked for conceding late penalty than scored to win it 6.
      Leandro Paredes (for De Paul, 101)
      Scaloni needed to make a change in a bid to wrest back control. Lucky he was only booked for shocker on Camavinga. 6
      Lautaro Martinez (for Alvarez, 101)
      Extra-time swap up front although Inter man could not get either shooting past Upamecano. 5
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      German Pezzella (for Mac Allister 116)
      Had not touched the ball before Argentina conceded France’s second penalty. 5
      Paulo Dybala (for Tagliafico 120)
      Barely time to touch the ball before the shoot-out drama. 5 More

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      Watch Lionel Messi fist pump at Kylian Mbappe after scoring in World Cup final – before PSG team-mate does it back

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      LIONEL MESSI and Kylian Mbappe were having their own battle during the World Cup final.The two number tens both netted in the match as Messi scored twice and Mbappe grabbed himself a hat-trick, but it was their celebrations that grabbed attention.

      Lionel Messi fist-pumped at Kylian Mbappe after scoringCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      After Messi scored the opener of the game from the spot, he was seen having a fist pump towards his PSG team-mate as he made his way back for the restart.
      Angel Di Maria then made it two for Argentina with his fine goal before Mbappe hit back.
      The French forward fired home a penalty of his own before scoring a wonderful equaliser.
      After the initial celebrations with his team-mates – along with French President Emmanual Macron in the stands – Mbappe wanted to return the favour to Messi.
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      As he made his way back to the centre, he then threw a fist pump towards Messi, who was standing ready to take kick off.
      The interaction caught the attention of fans on social media as one tweeted: “Seems it’s not just Argentina v France but Messi v Mbappe as well”.
      A second commented: “Messi first, then Mbappe did not stay silent.
      A third added: “Ouch. That hurts”.
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      A fourth said: “What a rivalry! The PSG locker room gonna be even more intense now”.
      While a fifth insisted that the gesture was for the players on the bench: “It was for the bench, not Mbappe or Messi”.

      Both players then scored in extra time to set up a dramatic penalty shootout in which they both scored from the spot.
      Messi had the last laugh, though as Argentina came out on top in the shootout to win the World Cup. More