DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi ended his lengthy anticipate the World Cup title in one of the vital memorable finals in historical past.Messi was at his most inspirational, scoring two objectives to take his whole for the match to seven and delivering his nation’s third World Cup triumph as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw by way of additional time.However Kylian Mbappe made him work arduous for the trophy he has lengthy craved by scoring a hat trick, together with two objectives in 97 seconds late in regulation to drag France again from 2-0 down.The France ahead evened the rating once more after Messi put Argentina again in entrance in additional time.Finally, it was Messi’s World Cup to lift.After fulfilling his life’s ambition, what’s subsequent for him and Argentina?EXPECTATION VS. PERFORMANCEWith Messi within the workforce, it’s at all times going to be among the many favorites. However on the age of 35 and within the closing levels of his storied profession, the ahead appeared much less geared up than in earlier years to guide his nation to success. And when Saudia Arabia produced one of many largest upsets within the competitors’s 92-year historical past by beating Argentina 2-1 within the group stage, the potential for an embarrassing early exit appeared an actual risk. Messi impressed the workforce to get well from that setback and produced one of many all-time nice match performances with seven objectives and three assists. Whereas Argentina’s expectations may not have been at their highest for this 12 months’s World Cup, Messi lastly realized the expectations positioned on him for almost all of his profession by successful the game’s largest prize.WHO’S OUT?Messi stated he’ll stick round for some time longer, even when one other World Cup could be an excessive amount of to ask. Angel di Maria is 34 and earlier this 12 months stated he would retire from worldwide soccer after the match in Qatar. Nicolas Otamendi can be 34 and unlikely to be concerned when Argentina come round to defending its trophy in 4 years. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is bound to have gained admirers from main golf equipment after successful the World Cup on the comparatively younger age of 44.WHO’S NEXT?Regardless of Messi being the inspiration for Argentina, it was a squad stuffed with younger expertise who’ve but to achieve their prime. Most notably is 22-year-old striker Julian Alvarez, who scored 4 objectives to turn out to be the nation’s newest star ahead. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 21, was named one of the best younger participant of the match and is already being linked with strikes to prime golf equipment, regardless of solely not too long ago signing for Benfica. Defenders Cristian Romero and Nahuel Molina are 24 and midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is 23. Scaloni has the idea of a workforce to construct round.WHAT’S NEXT?Qualifying for the subsequent World Cup is scheduled to start out in March and Argentina will even defend its Copa America title in 2024.___James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson___AP World Cup protection: https://Fifanews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports