Angel Di Maria of Argentina celebrates after scoring during the 2022 FIFA World Cup final at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar on Dec. 18, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ga)
DOHA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria gave France a 2-0 halftime lead over France in the World Cup final.
Argentina completely dominated the first 45 minutes (52 with injury time) and deserved their comfortable lead.
Messi opened the scoring in the 23rd minute from the penalty spot after Ousmane Dembele clipped Di Maria's heel following a smart turn from the Argentinean winger.
Lionel Messi of Argentina scores from the spot during the 2022 FIFA World Cup final at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar on Dec. 18, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Messi sent Hugo Lloris the wrong way from the spot to net his fourth penalty and sixth goal of the tournament.
Argentina were completely bossing the game and doubled their lead in the 36th minute with a magnificent team goal, which involved Messi and Julian Alvarez, before finding Alexis Mac Allister in space.
Mac Allister squared the ball for the onrushing Di Maria to slide the ball past the exposed Lloris and make it 2-0.
France coach Deschamps made a double substitution in the 41st minute, replacing Dembele and Giroud, with Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani. ■