The touching moment Argentina captain Lionel Messi shares a warm embrace with France’s hat-trick hero and PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe before World Cup final presentation in footage released by FIFA
FIFA have released footage of Lionel Messi consoling Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe with a hug following Argentina’s victory over France on penalties in the World Cup final.
France were beaten 4-2 on penalties having drawn a thrilling final 3-3 at Lusail Stadium, after Mbappe’s hat-trick had twice brought them back into the contest.
Mbappe also scored his penalty in the shootout, but his heroes were unable to prevent Argentina from winning the World Cup for the third time.
Argentina’s triumph saw Messi emulate his compatriot Diego Maradona in lifting the trophy, which had previously eluded him.
Messi, who scored twice in the final, embraced Mbappe prior to the trophy presentation.
The PSG stars were seen sharing a hug in the aftermath of the thrilling final, with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni then seen shaking Mbappe’s hand.
Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick was not enough for France retained the World Cup in Sunday’s final
Mbappe appeared despondent when he collected the golden boot and runners-up medal
The embraces were in contrast to the attempts from French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been criticized for his persistent attempts to console Mbappe following the final.
Mbappe was seen attempting to walk away from Macron, after the centrist politicians spoke to him on the pitch and during the trophy presentation.
The 23-year-old forward had cut a forlorn figure following the defeat, which came despite him becoming the first player since Geoff Hurst in 1966 to score a World Cup final hat-trick.
Lionel Messi had consoled Mbappe moments before lifting the World Cup trophy
Mbappe received the Golden Boot with the hat-trick having seen him score eight goals in seven matches.
He has now netted 12 goals in the two World Cups he has played in, putting him level with Pele.
Only five male players have scored more World Cup goals than Mbappe, and he is just four goals behind Germany’s Miroslav Klose who currently sits top of the list.
Mbappe has vowed that France ‘will return’ after falling narrowly short of retaining the World Cup.
Advertisement
.