Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick against Argentina wasn’t enough for France
(Picture: Getty Images)Over 200,000 people have now signed a petition to replay the World Cup final.
Argentina were crowned champions in Qatar last week, beating France on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw inside Lusail Stadium in a game that will go down in history.
Kylian Mbappe became the first man to score a hat-trick in the World Cup final since Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966 but it was not enough to stop Lionel Messi getting his hands on the sport’s ultimate prize.
While Argentina are still celebrating, a French-based website named MesOpinions has called for a replay.
The basis for the petition first centres around Messi’s opening goal, a penalty tucked home after Ousmane Dembele had fouled Angel Di Maria in the first half.
Those wanting a replay insist referee Szymon Marciniak wrongly awarded the spot-kick and also claim Mbappe was fouled in the build-up to Di Maria’s goal - Argentina’s second.
Argentina broke on the French in a thrilling counter-attack, with Alexis Mac Allister crossing for Di Maria to score.
Though France came back thanks to Mbappe’s quick-fire double, Kingsley Coman and Aurélien Tchouaméni missed in the penalty shootout to crown Argentina champions for the third time.
Some in France also feel that Messi’s second goal in extra time should not have stood as there were celebrating substitutes that had already encroached onto the pitch before the ball even went in.
Petitions in football are nothing new. In August, Chelsea supporters launched one to ban Anthony Taylor from refereeing their games after a controversial 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
