New video reveals Lionel Messi’s stoic reaction to Argentina team-mate Emiliano Martinez’s epic last-minute save to deny Radal Kolo Muani in World Cup final
- Lionel Messi’s reaction in dying moments of World Cup final revealed
- Emiliano Martinez made a crucial save to keep out Randal Kolo Muani
- But the 35-year-old was undaunted as Argentina narrowly held on
- The PSG star then scored the spot-kick as La Albiceleste triumphed over France
New footage has revealed Lionel Messi’s reaction to Emiliano Martinez’s World Cup final heroics.
Famed for his composure at big moments in the match, the 35-year-old didn’t even flinch as Martinez denied France striker Radal Kolo Muani in the video shared by Twitter user stopthatmessiii.
Argentina looked on course to secure the prestigious trophy for a third time without much resistance after Messi and Angel Di Maria gave them a 2-0 lead before half-time.
New footage shows Lionel Messi’s reaction to Emiliano Martinez’s last-gasp World Cup final save
However, despite a lethargic start, Didier Deschamps’ side, inspired by Kylian Mbappe’s heroics, staged a late comeback with the PSG star scoring twice to force extra-time.
Messi looked to have secured his footballing legacy as he put La Albiceleste ahead once again, before his Paris team-mate scored again to equalize with minutes remaining.
With the World Cup on the line, France had a golden chance in the closing moments of the match to take the lead through Kolo Muani, but the Eintracht Frankfurt striker was denied by Martinez, with the Aston Villa stopper later paying tribute to repel him with a tattoo.
The Aston Villa keeper superbly denied Mwani a late winner with his outstretched left foot
Messi then scored in the ensuing penalty shoot-out as Argentina claimed their third World Cup triumph
Not to be outdone, Messi remains calm and collects the ball on the halfway line before spraying it forward as his side attempt one last attack.
Messi would then score his country’s first spot-kick, nonchalantly rolling the ball past Hugo Lloris in the France goal.
Martinez would then deny Kingsley Coman from the penalty spot to further etch his name in Argentine football folklore as Lionel Scaloni’s side triumphed on penalties.