<a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/argentina/" target="_blank">Argentina</a> beat defending champions <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/france/" target="_blank">France</a> in the World Cup final with Lionel Messi crowning his record-breaking career by winning football's biggest prize for the first time. After 64 matches and 172 goals, the month-long footballing showpiece produced a stunning finale at Doha's 89,000-capacity Lusail Stadium, with <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/fifa-world-cup-2022/2022/12/18/world-cup-argentina-the-new-champions-after-penalty-shootout-win-against-france/" target="_blank">Argentina claiming the trophy on penalties</a> after a 3-3 draw after extra time. Messi, playing in his fifth World Cup, scored twice to lead Argentina to a first title since the Diego Maradona-inspired victory in Mexico City in 1986. It was tough luck on France striker Kylian Mbappe, who scored only the second hat-trick in World Cup final history but still ended up on the losing side. Argentina opened their campaign with a shock defeat against Saudi Arabia, but recovered brilliantly to reach the final and then lift the coveted trophy. Who is high up the table in club earnings in the Argentina squad? All can be revealed in the gallery above. To view the next image, just swipe.