Buenos Aires (DECEMBER 18, 2020) —

It was a battle of the titans, between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. A rare game of once in a generation, ending after 120 nerve-racking minutes. A final that has never been seen before, bringing Argentina to its third victory in the World Cup final, after several failed attempts in the past.

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With this victory, Messi broke the curse of 36 years and there is no doubt anymore that he is the greatest of them all; the second to sprout from Argentina, after Diego Armando Maradona. The score is now equal.

"We are ecstatic; there is immense happiness, the players caused us to suffer, but the game was always for Argentina. We deserved to win. What else do you want? Argentina has won three times: in the game, in the extra time, and in the penalty kicks,"

"To see Messi raise the cup; he deserves so much. This is a great evening in Buenos Aires. Tomorrow does not exist. This has not happened for a long time. The happiness is great," he added.

Only hours before the start of the final, the local media channel was focused, as expected, on the exclusivity of the World Cup final. The Clarin corporation was giving out every bit of information, such as a spiritual blessing from his holiness, Pope Francesca, himself a Buenos Aires native.

"Our best wishes to the champions, but I call upon all of you to live with this in modesty. And to whoever does not win, to live with this in happiness." The Pope called to play a "clean game," in his interview to the Italian Canale 5.

Streets in the Argentinean capital were blocked. People took off from work and the public transportation was significantly limited. Buenos Aires's main street, Avenida 9 de Julio, was closed off to fan who surged to the Obelisco, with increased police presence.

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