Trouble brews in the run up to every global, mega sporting event — such as buses not running on time, or venues seemingly not ready for action. But it melts away when the games begin. But what lasts?
Argentina beat defending-champion France in the final. It's the third World Cup title for Argentina but the first for Messi - the only trophy he hadn't won in his storied and remarkable career.
It was one of the finest World Cup finals in the history of the tournament. Argentina is the champion after a thrilling match that went into extra time and then a penalty kick shootout against France.
The pandas correctly predicted that Argentina would beat Croatia in the first semifinal match last, and they also rightly chose France over Morocco. Now, they predict Argentina will win the final.
Luka Modrić led Croatia to third place in what was likely the midfield great's last appearance at the World Cup. It is the second time Croatia has taken third place.
Argentine linguist and soccer fan Bruno Estigarribia has waited decades to see his beloved team win another World Cup. But with the big match approaching, he finds it too stressful to even watch.