The World Cup final turned into an incredible drama, but the surprises continued long after the final.
21:37•Updated 21:39
The final match of the FIFA World Cup turned into a dramatic thriller, at the end of which Argentina was able to celebrate its third World Cup gold in the history of the World Cup.
The championship was by no means easy, as the solution was sought first in the follow-up match and then in the penalty shootout.
The actual game time ended with 2-2 scores: France’s two goals were scored twice within three minutes by Kylian Mbappe, while Argentina’s hits were matched Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. Messi and Mbappe both scored for the second time in the follow-up match, so the match went to a penalty shootout.
Argentina took it 4-2 and the party was ready to begin.
Soccer romantics were fired up when Lionel Messi, Argentina’s 35-year-old captain and one of the best soccer players of all time, finally got to lift the coveted trophy in the air.
However, the award ceremony that followed the final match was anything but traditional.
First, Emiliano Martínez, who was chosen as the best goalkeeper of the World Cup, aired his award in a rather rude manner, which caused the commentator Even Matti Härkönen to demand fines from the cooper.
However, this is not the first time that Martinez has aired questionable. He also made a similar harsh venting a year ago, when Argentina celebrated their Copa America victory. (you switch to another service)
Martinez himself was emotional in the interview.
– I come from really modest circumstances. I left for England at a very young age, and I want to dedicate this championship to my family, Martinez commented emotionally after the game.
But even more confusing was to come.
When Messi stepped next to the trophy, the Emir of Qatar stepped in Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to put a cloak over the Argentinian captain. It is a Bisht, a traditional dress known in the Arab world that has been worn for thousands of years. Bisht is usually worn on festive occasions such as weddings and is usually worn by bosses, kings and imams.
Messi didn’t seem to mind the cape, because the new world champion just rubbed his hands enthusiastically.
Instead of Messi getting to vent with his team right away, the emir and the president of Fifa left Gianni Infantino to accompany the trophy and Messi. However, the journey was short, and soon the trophy rose with the team in the air.