Crowds in Buenos Aires went through every emotion as Argentina took the lead, almost lost, and eventually won the World Cup final
AP Photo/Gustavo Garello
- Argentina defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final on penalty kicks.
- Argentina jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the match, but nearly blew the win after a heroic late comeback from France.
- Fans watching the match in Buenos Aires went through every emotion imaginable before finally reaching the elation of victory.
Argentina are World Cup champions.
In a thrilling final against France, which saw Lionel Messi cement his spot as the GOAT, Argentina lifted the trophy after winning on penalty kicks after regular time and extra time weren't enough.
Both at and around the stadium in Qatar, as well as in Argentina's capital city Buenos Aires, fans gathered to watch their countrymen play for the biggest prize in world football, and went through every feeling imaginable over an emotionally grueling two hours.
At first, the vibes were electric. Argentina controlled the first half of the match, with Messi starting the scoring from the penalty spot to take a 1-0 lead.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
Fans erupted as Argentina was one step closer to World Cup glory.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
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—Conz Preti (@conz) December 18, 2022
Just minutes later, Argentina doubled their lead, scoring a glorious team goal that appeared to put them on the cusp of lifting the trophy.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
In Buenos Aires, it sounded as though the entire city was watching together.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
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In the stadium, fans struggled to contain their excitement.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
But as quickly as the elation took hold, anxiety would soon follow.
In the second half, France mounted a comeback. Kylian Mbappé scored a penalty in the 80th minute, and just seconds later, scored a second mesmerizing goal to tie the match 2-2.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
In Buenos Aires, fans were stunned.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
With the match tied 2-2 after 90 minutes, the World Cup final was heading to extra time.
In the first half of extra time, Argentina nearly scored a third, but were stifled by a last-second stop from the French defense.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
Fans were left holding their heads in disbelief.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
But eventually, Argentina broke through, with Messi once again putting the ball in the net to go up 3-2.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
Again, the city erupted.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
But France was not done. After a handball in the box, Mbappé stepped to the penalty spot again, and tied things up 3-3.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
In the stands, Argentina supporters worried their World Cup glory was slipping away.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
The match would go to penalty kicks, where Argentina would finally, ultimately prevail.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
After exhausting every emotion known to man, Buenos Aires could finally embrace elation, a full release of tension in the form of pure joy.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
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In the stadium, fans tearfully embraced one another.
—FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
Congratulations to Argentina. You are World Cup champions.