The third star.

Argentina began the World Cup with defeat to Saudi Arabia. It ended it with Lionel Messi holding the trophy, after a final whose turns forced the team to survive the loss of certainty more than once.

From the shock to the final

The opening loss made every remaining match an elimination test. Argentina rebuilt through victories over Mexico and Poland, then survived Australia, the Netherlands, and Croatia. Julián Álvarez supplied movement and goals; Enzo Fernández changed the midfield; Emiliano Martínez guarded the decisive moments.

Against France, Messi scored an early penalty. A sweeping move ended with Di María making it 2–0. Argentina controlled the match for nearly 80 minutes before Kylian Mbappé scored twice in 97 seconds.

A final refuses to end

Messi restored the lead in extra time. Mbappé answered from the penalty spot to complete a hat-trick. In the final seconds, Randal Kolo Muani broke through and Martínez saved with his left leg. The championship remained alive by the width of a goalkeeper's stance.

Martínez saved Kingsley Coman's penalty in the shootout. Paulo Dybala and Leandro Paredes converted before Gonzalo Montiel struck the kick that ended 36 years of waiting.

After 36 years

Messi had won the World Cup. Veterans and newcomers shared responsibility across the campaign; supporters made distant stadiums feel local; Scaloni changed his lineup and shape as the tournament demanded.

The path from the 2014 final through the 2021 Copa América gave the victory much of its force. Argentina's third championship arrived through an opening defeat, five wins, two shootouts, and one last act of nerve.