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They leaped into the air. Their fists pumped in delight. Finally it was all over, and they had won.<\/p>\n
Gonzalo Montiel had just scored the decisive penalty for Argentina to defeat France in the dramatic final of the World Cup in Qatar and become champions once again after their last triumph in Mexico 36 years ago.
\nIn the stands of packed Lusail Stadium on Sunday, those in blue and white screamed and hugged in an explosion of relief and jubilation. What had preceded were 120 minutes of nail biting normal time and extra-time action, which saw France twice come from behind to send the 3-3 deadlock into a penalty shootout.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t describe the feelings I have right now,\u201d Argentina fan Pablo Ramirez told Al Jazeera with tears in his eyes shortly after captain Lionel Messi lifted the trophy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the best day of my life,\u201d said the 34-year-old, who made the journey to Qatar from Argentina\u2019s capital, Buenos Aires.<\/p>\n
\u201cFinally, we are champions again,\u201d the businessman said. \u201cIt\u2019s been too long. \u2026 I thought France would win after that comeback. I was shaking so much.\u201d
\nArgentina coach Lionel Scaloni was also visibly emotional as he dedicated the victory to his parents.<\/p>\n
\u201cI cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game,\u201d he told reporters after the final. \u201cUnbelievable, but this team responds to everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am proud of the work they did. With the blows we received today, this makes you emotional. I want to tell people to enjoy. It\u2019s a historic moment for our country.\u201d
\nArgentina took the lead in the 23rd minute when Messi scored from the penalty spot to become the first player to find the net in all four knockout rounds at the same World Cup.<\/p>\n
They widened their lead in the 36th minute when winger Angel Di Maria finished a superb team move that started on Argentina\u2019s half.<\/p>\n
La Albiceleste remained in control until about 10 minutes before the end of normal time when French superstar Kylian Mbappe pulled one back from the penalty spot.<\/p>\n
And less than two minutes later, Mbappe stunned the Argentina fans with a second goal, which sent the game into extra time.
\nMessi responded with his second goal of the night in the 108th minute to put Argentina up 3-2, but a handball in the box by Montiel gave Mbappe the chance to convert his second penalty and France to level again.<\/p>\n
In the shootout, Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez saved Kingsley Coman\u2019s spot kick while Aurelien Tchouameni also missed the target for France before Montiel scored Argentina\u2019s fourth penalty to end it all.
\nArgentina fan Carlos Ruiz said he had never felt so nervous in his life.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy heart was in my throat,\u201d he said in describing his emotions after France\u2019s equaliser during normal time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI could barely sit still,\u201d said Ruiz, who grew up near Buenos Aires but now resides in Tampa, Florida. \u201cIt was a nerve-wrecking but an incredible match, and for Messi to win it finally in his last World Cup, \u2026 he is definitely now as big as Diego [Maradona].\u201d<\/p>\n
The seven-time Ballon d\u2019Or winner had won all there is to win as part of a football team \u2013 except the most coveted prize of all.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s insane that it happened this way,\u201d Messi, 35, told reporters after the match. \u201cI really wanted this. I knew God was going to give it to me. Now I will enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLook at this trophy,\u201d the Paris Saint-Germain forward said. \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful. We suffered a lot, but we did it. I can\u2019t wait to be in Argentina to see how crazy this is going to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Argentina fan Augusto Fasio felt the same.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait to fly back home,\u201d the Mar de Plata resident told Al Jazeera in Qatar. \u201cI want to be with my people when the team comes home. We will be partying for a week.\u201d<\/p>\n\r\n