WATCH: Messi sneaks extra-time goal over the line to restore Argentina’s lead in World Cup final

• Albiceleste threw away two-goal lead
• Messi netted in extra-time
• Thrilling contest in Qatar

WHAT HAPPENED? The Albiceleste established a two-goal lead in the first-half, courtesy of Messi and Angel Di Maria, but threw that away as Kylian Mbappe bagged a late brace in normal time. Argentina got their noses in front again during extra-time, with their talismanic captain bundling over the line before a last-ditch clearance could be made.

UNBELIEVABLE!! LEO MESSI!!#BBCWorldCup #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/A3mQGyV3yb

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 18, 2022

IT HAD TO BE MESSI 🐐🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/KF5wggitVF

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi’s effort was a 99th for his country in what has been a quite remarkable career, with a World Cup win all that he needs in order to complete a stunning medal collection.

WHAT NEXT? Argentina could not see the game out in extra-time, with Mbappe completing his hat-trick, with nerves being shredded in the Middle East.