
Lionel Messi's Argentina Defeat France to win 2022 FIFA World Cup!
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'Argentina have won their 3rd World Cup in incredible fashion early this morning, defeating France in a penalty shoot-out, after a 3-3 Extra Time Result.
It was an incredible night of drama and fluctuating fortunes, delivering one of the all-time great finals to cap a wonderful tournament.
Argentina had looked to be cruising to a one-sided victory after Messi's penalty and a brilliant goal by Angel Di Maria in the first half put them in total control, but Mbappe converted an 80th-minute penalty and volleyed in an equaliser a minute later to take the game to extra time.
Messi put Argentina ahead again but Mbappe levelled with another penalty, becoming the second man to score a World Cup final hat-trick after Geoff Hurst for England 1966.
That took the game to a shoot-out where Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez saved Kingsley Coman's penalty and Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide to give Gonzalo Montiel the chance to win it, which he gleefully took.'
- ABC News
So what does this mean for our Hobby & the Trading Card World?
We have already seen in the few hours of today, the card market being flooded by Messi cards. People wishing the world for their pieces of history. Although a majority of these sale posts can be laughable with asking price, the owners do have a point.
Messi cards are on the rise, as are the rest of his Argentine teammates. For example: Messi World Cup Refractor sold on December 16th for $44 USD. This same card sold today (after the final) for $130USD. This is just under a 3x increase!
In terms of Messi's teammates, the same can be said of Julian Alvarez's cards. 2022 World Cup Prizm is the first proper sighting of Alvarez in an Argentine kit and boy are his cards selling well. Julian Alvarez (based on sales) is the second highest sort after RC card of the set, falling behind only to Gavi of Spain. Alvarez has shown his world class ability this tournament, and his first WC Prizm cards are a sure fire investment if you're looking for a nice long term hold.
So what becomes of France?
Kylian Mbappe showed his world beating ability today - becoming only the second player ever to score a hattrick in a World Cup Final. Although his team was bested - we can be sure there is much more to see for Kylian Mbappe.
This World Cup has helped prove the doubters wrong - especially for the Trading Card community.
Mbappe cards have still showed growth - despite the loss. Mbappe 2022 World Cup Refractor sold on 13/12/22 for $40USD. Today that same card sold for $87USD. We are still seeing a 2x price growth on select cards, and i wouldn't bet on them going back down.
Overall this World Cup has been incredible. From the games to the stories & score lines - we can safely say this is a World Cup to be remembered.