It’s being called one of the most entertaining matches in World Cup history.
Sunday’s back-and-forth affair between Argentina and France at the FIFA World Cup final left local soccer fans holding their breath – especially the ones who came together at Montana’s to cheer on Argentina.
Among the viewers included Polo Bruno, a Grade 10 student whose parents moved from Argentina to the Sault in 2002.
After Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María put Argentina up 2-0 in the first half, France’s young star Kylian Mbappé tied the match with two quick goals in the 80th and 81st minutes.
The situation left Bruno feeling disappointed, but not surprised.
“I was feeling good when it was 2-0,” he says. “But in the back of my mind, I was thinking about the Netherlands match when they came back down by two as well. I had a feeling something like that could happen, and it did.”
Messi and Mbappé would later trade goals in the second half of extra time to send the final to penalty kicks.
Argentina went on to secure their first World Cup win since 1986 after defeating France 4-2 in penalties, which sent the group of around 50 Argentinian supporters at Montana’s into celebration.
“My parents and all the adults were crying, there were a lot of emotions,” Bruno says. “There was just so much relief, Messi deserves it so much.”
“As somebody who was born in Argentina, all I can say is that it was a crazy emotional rollercoaster packed with beautiful goals and epic saves,” Bruno’s dad Mauricio says. “Our legendary captain Lionel Messi got us the most desired and precious trophy in the sport.”
“Messi’s the greatest player of all time,” Polo Bruno adds. “If he wanted to retire, he can do it happily now that he finally has the World Cup. He has every achievement possible.”
While the win was sweet, Bruno gives a lot of credit to the way France’s star played.
“Mbappé is too good for his team,” he says. “He’s a super talented player. He’s only 23 so he has a lot of years ahead of him still.”
Mbappé earned the Golden Boot after scoring the most goals at the tournament with 8, while Messi earned player of the tournament honours for the second time in his career.
