The World Cup championship game seemed to defy logic, expectations, and all attempts at description.
When Lionel Messi raised the World Cup trophy, the stadium erupted in a cacophony that nothing could possibly have captured. Or the composure with which Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty to tie the score late in regulation?
It was the best ending ever, as the world eventually seemed to agree upon in an effort to summarize everything.
Usain Bolt tweeted images of himself wearing an Argentina jersey at Lusail Stadium along with the caption “Best World Cup Final ever.”
“Up here, we’re out of breath. Simply said, the outcome was astonishing. Being here was a pleasure. It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and I doubt I will ever see it again. Former England international Alan Shearer told the BBC that it was stunning.
Messi’s penalty and Angel Di Mara’s goal in the first half appeared to have decided the match in regulation time, but Mbappé scored two goals in stoppage time, including one from the penalty spot, to equal the game and send it into overtime.
Messi appeared to have scored the game-winning goal in the 108th minute, providing what would have been a Hollywood-style conclusion with both teams still reeling from the thrilling conclusion.
“My god, #FIFAWorldCup. This game is a gorgeous, evil curse. I love it so much make it stop,” actor Ryan Reynolds tweeted just after Messi’s goal made it 3-2 to Argentina in extra time.
But Mbappé, yet again, replied with an equalizer from the spot to take the game to penalties.
“Ok if I have a heart attack it’s cause I’m watching this #FIFAWorldCup,” Serena Williams tweeted.
“What a game man. If someone still doesn’t think this is the best sport ever…,” former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas tweeted as the players lined up to take penalties.
Emiliano Martnez, who was awarded the competition’s best goalie, stopped Kingsley Coman of France’s penalty kick, and Aurélien Tchouaméni missed the target before Gonzalo Montiel gave Argentina their third World Cup victory and first since 1986.
Argentina is the world champion, Telemundo commentator Andrés Cantor simply said as he announced the winning play, hugging his co-commentator Claudio Borghi and his voice breaking with passion.
As thousands flooded out to celebrate, pictures showed the streets of Buenos Aires covered in blue and white.
Alberto Fernández, the president of Argentina, tweeted: “Thanks to the players and coaching staff. They serve as an inspiration for us to keep going. that our future is bright and that we have excellent individuals.
“Happy with the victory of the Argentine neighbours. Great game from Messi, who deserved this a lot, and Di Maria. Congratulations to the players, the Argentina coaching staff and my friend @alferdez,” Brazil’s President Lula da Silva tweeted alongside an emoji of the Argentinian flag.
Michael Owen, a former England striker, tweeted: “Congratulations Argentina. Amazing game. The best final, without a doubt? Messi caps off an incredible career, but think of Mbappe, who scored three goals in the World Cup final but left empty-handed.
The final was in Qatar, and French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “Les Bleus made us dream.”
After that, he showed up on the field and consoled Mbappé as the 23-year-old stood there staring into the darkness.
In a tweet, French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne added: “Thank you Les Bleus! Just till the very end, we shook alongside everyone else. Thank you for this experience, for inspiring our dreams, and for this fantastic game.
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