FIFA have released footage of Lionel Messi consoling Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe with a hug following Argentina's victory over France on penalties in the World Cup final.
France were beaten 4-2 on penalties having drawn a thrilling final 3-3 at Lusail Stadium, after Mbappe's hat-trick had twice brought them back into the contest.
The embraces were in contrast to the attempts from French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been criticised for his persistent attempts to console Mbappe following the final.
Mbappe was seen attempting to walk away from Macron, after the centrist politician spoke to him on the pitch and during the trophy presentation.
The 23-year-old forward had cut a forlorn figure following the defeat, which came despite him becoming the first player since Geoff Hurst in 1966 to score a World Cup final hat-trick.
The former Barcelona star opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Angel Di Maria fired home on 36 minutes after a brilliant ball from Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister to go 2-0 up and cruising.
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However, France hit back through a Kylian Mbappe brace, as the drama unfolded after the half-time break.
The 23-year-old netted from the penalty spot on 80 minutes, and he then found the back of Emiliano Martinez’s net with a fine first-time finish to force extra-time against the odds.
Messi netted in the first period of the extra-time, bundling the ball over the line, only for Mbappe to answer back by completing his hat-trick from the spot two minutes from the end of a frantic, chaotic added spell.
But it was Argentina who held their nerve as they reigned victorious in the penalty shoot-out – leaving Mbappe heartbroken as he watched his PSG teammate lift the golden trophy.
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