Messi’s Argentina knocked out of FIFA WC 2018, France progress

A 31 year old, Lionel Messi was probably playing his last World Cup with a dream to clich the coveted trophy but all his hopes have shattered. Argentina have been knocked out of FIFA WC 2018 playing against France in a Group 16 match. France won by 4-3 in a thrilling encounter and progress to the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Earlier, French coach Didier Deschamps made six changes from their line up that fielded the last group match. France had pace and power in their attack with N’golo Kante, Blaise Matuidi and Paul Pogba.

With 13 minutes in the game, a calm Griezmann scored France’s first goal courtesy a penalty. Argentina’s Angel di Maria equaled the score when he got the ball 30 yards from the goal, space opened up for him and he hit straight to the roof of the net. The score was 1-1 at halftime.

Argentina’s Gabriel Mercado gave them a lead in the 47th minute but not for too long. Benjamin Pavard scored his first goal for France in his nine appearances and levelled the score 2-2.

A 19 year old Kylian Mbappe scored twice within 3 minutes thanks to thethe suici defence of Argentina and gave the French an unassailable lead of 4-2. Aguero scored a header at (90’+3′) but it was 1 goal too many as the 2014 runner ups Argentina were knocked out of the FIFA WC 2018.