Kylian Mbappe produced a memorable performance in the FIFA World Cup final but his three goals were not enough to save France’s dreams after they lost on penalties 4-2 to Argentina following a 3-3 draw after regulation and extra time at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Sunday.
Mbappe became the second player to score a hat-trick in the World Cup final after returning his country to the match twice, the first with two goals near the end of normal time.
And with Argentina tightening its defense against Mbappe for most of the match, the Paris Saint-Germain striker came to life in the 80th minute when he scored twice within 97 seconds, before equalizing for the second time from a penalty kick in extra time to make the score 3-3.
Mbappe scored the first penalty in the penalty shootout for France, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved Kingsley Coman’s kick before Aurelien Tchoamene overthrew his kick outside the field.
Substitute Gonzalo Montiel won Argentina the title for the third time in its history, after 1978 and 1986, by scoring the fourth penalty shootout.
Geoff Hurst was the only one to score three goals in a World Cup final when he led England to a 4-2 victory over West Germany after extra time in 1966.
Hurst wrote on his Twitter account during the match: I congratulate Mbappe, whatever happens, you had a wonderful period.
The hat-trick contributed to Mbappe winning the Golden Boot award, which is awarded to the top scorer in the tournament, ahead of Lionel Messi, as he finished the tournament with eight goals in seven matches, which is the largest tally for a player in one edition since Brazilian Ronaldo scored eight goals in 2002.
And the Frenchman Just Fontaine still holds the record for the number of goals in one tournament, with 13 goals in the Sweden 1958 edition.
The France striker is four goals behind Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals.
Two days before he turns 24, it seems that Mbappe is destined to lead a young and bright generation for France in the coming years.
But at Lusail Stadium the night was owned by Lionel Messi, who made up for the last-16 exit at Russia 2018 when Argentina lost 4-3 to Mbappe’s France in an epic match.
Mbappe was only 19 years old at the time, and it’s amazing to think that he hasn’t reached his peak yet.
In each match, he seems more confident, poised, and in control, unstoppable with his incredible speed and razor-sharp accuracy that drives defenders crazy.
With these capabilities, Mbappe is considered a national treasure, and French President Emmanuel Macron took to the field to console the young star, and embraced him for a long time.
Mbappe’s hat-trick at the end of his impressive tournament will not ease the pain of losing to Argentina, but in due course he will certainly look back on what he has achieved with pride.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President of Paris Saint-Germain, said: I am sad for Kylian, who played a more than perfect match. If it were up to me, I would have presented two cups, one to Kilian and the other to Lionel. Messi deserved the cup and Kylian still has time to win the World Cup again.
It may have been Messi’s night, but Mbappe still has a long way to go.