Argentina beat France to win World Cup: 7 things you missed

Argentina now have a 3rd star embroidered on their well-known white-and-blue-striped shirts after Lionel Messi and his teammates emerged victorious over France in probably the most enthralling, topsy-turvy World Cup finals of all time.

The Albiceleste ultimately received the sport on penalties, however solely after surrendering a two-goal lead and seeing France drag themselves again degree twice on the night time, together with a 118th-minute penalty from Kylian Mbappe to usher within the shootout after it completed 3-3.

The celebrations have been as wild as you would possibly count on, and but there was nonetheless room for some completely weird scenes amid the standard ticker-tape-speckled mayhem. Here are seven things you may need missed from the aftermath of one of many best video games ever performed.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)

Lionel Messi wears a bisht

A wave of consternation swept social media through the presentation of the World Cup itself as Messi was made to don a Qatari gown earlier than hoisting the trophy aloft.

Presented by the Emir of Qatar, the gown was truly a “bisht,” which is a ceremonial cloak given in celebration of nice victory. While arguably becoming, many followers complained that the gesture took the shine off a career-defining picture for Messi and amounted to “sportswashing” given the nation’s human rights document.

The second when HH the Amir awarded the World Cup to Lionel #Messi, carrying a Qatari Bisht. #QNA #ArgentinaVsFrance#WorldCupQatar2022 #QATAR2022 #FIFAWorldCup #QNA_Sport pic.twitter.com/gsdUqjUTVv

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) December 18, 2022

Eagle-eyed followers additionally noticed that the Argentina shirt Messi wore had already been adorned with three stars above the AFA badge.

Emi Martinez’s bizarre award celebration

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who stood tall to deny France striker Randal Kolo Muani what would have absolutely been a profitable objective on the buzzer, did his utmost to disrupt France’s composure and focus through the penalty shootout with some questionable antics.

But it labored and the Aston Villa stopper was duly bestowed with the “Golden Glove” award for being one of the best goalkeeper on the 2022 World Cup, which he celebrated in equally questionable style, utilizing the award in a vulgar gesture.

Quizzed on why he did it, Martinez instructed La Red: “I did it because the French booed me. Pride does not work with me.”

Argentina’s minute of silence for Mbappe

Led as soon as once more by their rabble-rousing ‘keeper Martinez, Argentina later noticed a “minute’s silence” for Mbappe within the dressing room after the France striker turned solely the second participant ever to rating a hat trick in a World Cup closing — alongside Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966) solely to nonetheless one way or the other find yourself on the shedding facet.

“A minute of silence for … Mbappe!” 😅

Emiliano Martinez throughout Argentina’s dressing room celebration.

(through nicolasotamendi30/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/dwm3IrUNWG

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 18, 2022

These Argentina celebrations acquired out of hand 😂😂😂

(through kunaguero/IG) pic.twitter.com/rSxSUt0yvm

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 19, 2022

And things appeared to get a bit out of hand, with accusations that Argentina had been disrespectful to their opposition later.

Salt Bae inserts himself into the celebrations

There was additional — arguably justified — grumbling on social media when celeb chef Salt Bae (additionally recognized by his actual title of Nusret Gokce) one way or the other managed to wind up getting his fingers on probably the most prestigious trophy in soccer through the postmatch revelry.

Several Argentina stars previous and current, together with each Messi and Diego Maradona, have been seen having fun with steaks at eating places owned by Gokce over time, however for some, his presence on the pitch as a VIP after the ultimate was just a little laborious to swallow.

France president Macron’s awkward second with Mbappe

There have been equally awkward scenes within the France camp as President Emmanuel Macron tried to console a clearly heartbroken Kylian Mbappe, only to be blankly ignored by the crestfallen striker.

”We are initially very unhappy, very disenchanted,” Macron later instructed reporters in Qatar, presumably concerning the defeat and never Mbappe’s response.

Drake loses his wager

Elsewhere, rapper Drake additionally ended up on the shedding facet after seeing his monumental World Cup closing wager fail to repay.

Despite backing Argentina to win, the Canadian music star reportedly lost $1 million due to the truth that his wager did not account for a win on penalties.

Argentina followers have fun in Naples

As you would possibly count on, the mood was a little more raucous in Buenos Aires as Argentina followers the world over partied lengthy into the early hours.

🇮🇹🇦🇷 Celebrations in Naples pic.twitter.com/A88qCHWFrG

— COPA90 (@Copa90) December 18, 2022

There have been additionally equally joyful scenes in Naples as disciples of the good Maradona celebrated his homeland’s superb success.