Messi’s magic, Martinez’s mentality and Scaloni’s tactical nous were key factors:

• Lionel Messi is only player to score in every stage of a World Cup
• Emiliano Martinez has a 100% record in shootouts with Argentina
• Lionel Scaloni was tactically flexible and shrewd throughout the tournament

The World Cup final was a fittingly thrilling conclusion to an enthralling tournament and the 3-3 epic between Argentina and France, settled on penalties in the South Americans’ favour, will live long in the memory.

It brought a third World Cup for Argentina, though their first since 1986, when the late, great Diego Maradona led them to glory in Mexico.

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