The World Cup has a new champion

After 29 days, 64 matches, and 172 total goals (a new tournament record), the World Cup field that started with 32 teams finally has a champion. On Sunday, Argentina defeated France to be crowned World Cup victor for the first time since 1986.

🏆 How it happened: Argentina jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first half, behind goals from Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María. France’s Kylian Mbappé answered with less than 10 minutes left in regulation, scoring two quick goals to even the score at 2-2. This sent the game into extra time (aka overtime).

Messi put Argentina back in front, scoring early in the second extra-time period. But Mbappé once again tied things up, scoring eight minutes later to become the second player ever to earn a hat trick in the World Cup final.

Extra time ended in a 3-3 draw, sending the game to penalty kicks. Argentina proceeded to make its first four attempts, while France only made two.

🏅 Accolades: Lionel Messi became the first player ever to win two Golden Ball awards as the World Cup’s most outstanding player, though he lost out on the Golden Boot (aka finals MVP), which went to Mbappé.

⚽ Fun fact: While overall numbers have yet to be published, this year’s World Cup is set to become the most-viewed event in TV history, per FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who said last week the tournament was on track to reach 5 billion unique viewers, aka ~62.5% of the entire world😳.