Argentina wins third World Cup and first since 1986

Argentina has won its third World Cup by defeating France in an epic 2022 final, the South American country's first title since 1986.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a penalty in the 23rd minute before Ángel Di María finished off a glorious team goal 13 minutes later.

Kylian Mbappé would answer back with back-to-back goals in the 80th and 81st minutes, sending the game into extra time. 

There would be plenty of drama to follow in the additional period, with Messi scoring a rebound in the 108th minute to seemingly hand Argentina the title, only for Mbappé to complete his hat trick with a 118th minute penalty.

But the penalty shootout would belong to Argentina, which clinched its third World Cup with a 4-2 victory on spot kicks.

The Albiceleste won their first World Cup in 1978 on home soil, defeating the Netherlands 3-1 in the final after extra time. Eight years later Argentina would win the World Cup again, inspired by the heroics of Diego Maradona, as it defeated West Germany 3-2 in the final in Mexico City.

Argentina is now the only country to have won three men's World Cups, putting them into fourth place in all-time tournament wins. Only Brazil, Germany and Italy have won the World Cup more.

Men's World Cups by country

• Brazil: 5
• Germany: 4
• Italy: 4
• Argentina: 3
• France: 2
• Uruguay: 2
• England: 1
• Spain: 1

List

Greatest World Cup final ever? Greatest World Cup final ever