Argentina lead France 2-0 at half-time in World Cup final

Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 18, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Argentina led defending champions France 2-0 at half-time in the World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in Doha on Sunday.

A 23rd-minute penalty from Argentina captain Lionel Messi and a 36th-minute strike from Angel Di Maria left the South Americans in a commanding position at the break.

Argentina are bidding to win the World Cup for the first time since a Diego Maradona-inspired victory at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

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© Agence France-Presse