Lionel Messi scored from the spot, giving Argentina an early lead against France in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
Angel Di Maria of Argentina dribbled his way past Dembele to get into France’s box. He was looking to shoot when contact from the Frenchman had him go down. The referee called for a penalty.
The referee’s decision stayed after the VAR check. Some social media users argued that the penalty shouldn’t have been given. Referee Szymon Marciniak was slammed.
“Is that really a penalty?” a Twitter user asked.
“Not even a penalty 🤦♂️” another one said.
“Looks like FIFA has decided Messi will get his World Cup this year. What a terrible penalty call,” a third one tweeted.
“What do Szymon Marciniak, Daniele Orsato, Mateu Lahoz, Slavko Vincic and Danny Makkelie have in common? They are the only 5 people to referee Argentina this tournament and all 5 of them have given Argentina a penalty,” a fourth one said.
Di Maria, after winning a key penalty, scored the second goal of the match. Lionel Messi played the ball around the corner down to Alvarez. The youngster released Mac Allister along the wing, who swings a pass to the Argentina No 7.
Angel Di Maria took a stride into the box and took a shot across France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The Argentine forward was in tears after scoring the key goal.
French manager Didier Deschamps took Dembele and Olivier Giroud off the pitch for Thuram and Kolo Muani.
Argentina led France 2-0 at half-time.
Teams:
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Di Maria, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez.Subs: Armani, Foyth, Montiel, Paredes, Pezzella, Acuna, Rulli, Palacios, Correa, Almada, Gomez, Rodriguez, Dybala, Lisandro Martinez, Lautaro Martinez.
France: Lloris, Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud.Subs: Pavard, Disasi, Guendouzi, Muani, Fofana, Veretout, Mandanda, Saliba, Coman, Areola, Konate, Camavinga, Thuram.
