France attacker Kylian Mbappe has received a personal congratulation from Sir Geoff Hurst after scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final.
The 2018 champion endured a fruitless opening first half at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, as Argentina went two goals to the good through Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria.
Mbappe would restore parity from the penalty spot after Randal Kolo Muani was brought down by Nicolas Otamendi, and the 23-year-old volleyed home a wonderful equalizer barely a minute later.
The Frenchman's efforts forced an unexpected extra time period, where Messi managed to force the ball over the line in the 109th minute before France were awarded another penalty for a Gonzalo Montiel handball.
Once again, Mbappe made no mistake to complete a World Cup final hat-trick, becoming only the second player to achieve such a feat and the first since Hurst himself in 1966.
© Reuters
The former England international came up with a trio of strikes to propel the Three Lions to glory against West Germany and for 56 years was the only man to ever score a World Cup final hat trick.
After Mbappe also achieved the celebrated feat on Sunday, Hurst put out a congratulatory message on social media, posting: "Many congratulations to Mbappe, whatever happens. I've had a great run!"
The Paris Saint-Germain attacker's second successful penalty of the night meant that the destiny of the 2022 World Cup would be decided from the spot, and he stepped up first to convert for his country.
However, only Mbappe and Kolo Muani would find the net from 12 yards, as Kingsley Coman's attempt was kept out by Emiliano Martinez before Aurelien Tchouameni dragged his effort wide.
Many congratulations to Mbappe, whatever happens. I've had a great run!
— Sir Geoff Hurst (@TheGeoffHurst) December 18, 2022
Messi, Paulo Dybala and Leandro Paredes all converted for La Albiceleste before Montiel stepped up to send Hugo Lloris the wrong way and seal a third title for Argentina.
Mbappe still leaves the Qatar tournament with the Golden Boot in his suitcase, having scored an impressive eight goals during France's run to the final, one more than Messi.
In total, 172 goals were scored at the 2022 World Cup, setting a new record for the most prolific tournament of its kind, surpassing the 171 strikes from 1998 and 2014.
France - who failed to become only the third nation in history to win back-to-back World Cups - also scored the most goals of any team in Qatar, netting 16 times overall.
Argentina ended the competition with 15 strikes en route to their third World Cup trophy, following on from successes in 1978 and 1986.
Ben Knapton
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