Looking at the aesthetics of the match, France had no business winning; and yet, there they were, in it until the penalty kicks. Argentina owned the entire first half. They were the aggressors, the only ones able to build flow, the only ones able to attack. Di Maria was man possessed on the left side for Argentina, creating space and opportunity reliably in the final third form the left. He was taken down in the box for the first penalty and scored the second Argentina goal on a beautiful run of play a few minutes later.

Most of normal time in the game was fairly routine and boring. France was absolutely unable to get anything going or to find Mbappé with any space to make anything happen. For 80 minutes, it was all Argentina. A masterful game plan that was crushing France’s spirit and leading to an inevitable (and disappointing) overall match for France (but hey, at least Messi was going to get his win and the Golden Boot, right?

But then it all chnaged. France got back into the game on a penalty kick in the 80th minute, followed by an absolute scorcher by Mbappé from the left side of the box 1 minute later. I think it was 90 seconds or less of elapsed clock time that had France tying it and then playing to take the team into extra time. Wild.

Again, in extra time, Argentina is the only one that created a real shot that went in. IMO, Messi deserves the Golden Boot for that shot. He won’t get it because Mbappé was able to sit over yet another penalty kick several minutes later to tie it. Another goal he did not deserve or create, but that he did put away.

Messi gets the legacy he deserves. He played with passion and spirit. I’m happy he got this. For me Di Maria, despite being pulled off in the second half, is the man of the match. Absolutely incredible attacking from the left.