Jubilant Argentina fans are celebrating around the globe after edging out France in an epic World Cup final - including at the house of the late, great Diego Maradona.
Lionel Messi stole the show in Qatar as he inspired Lionel Scaloni's side to their first World Cup triumph since Maradona led the Albiceleste to glory back in 1986. The tournament was played just over two years after the Argentinian icon passed away back in 2020.
First-half goals from Messi and Angel Di Maria had put Argentina in control against a France side who appeared to be devoid of energy after being plagued by a virus in the build-up to the final. But Didier Deschamps' suddenly burst into life in the 80th minute courtesy of a stunning double from Kylian Mbappe, who netted twice in just 90 seconds to force extra-time.
Messi was on the spot and kept his cool to nudge Argentina back into the lead in the 108th minute, but Mbappe rescued France again by completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 118th minute.
With the scores level, the World Cup final was decided by penalties for just the third time in history - and it was Argentina who emerged victorious in a tense shootout.
Understandably, all eyes were on Messi after Argentina's triumph. After losing the 2014 final, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner knew that, at 35, this was his final opportunity to win the World Cup - and he was full of emotion after the match.
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"It's crazy that it happened this way," Messi is quoted as saying by SPORT. "I wanted it very much. I knew that God was going to give it to me, I had a feeling that it was going to be this. Now to enjoy."
There had been speculation that the Argentina talisman would step away from the national team after the tournament. Messi had confirmed before the match that Sunday would be his final ever World Cup match.
But he insisted that he is set to carry on - for now. "No, I'm not gonna retire from the national team," he told TyC Sports. "I want to keep playing as World Cup champions with Argentina shirt."
Emiliano Martinez also played a heroic role in Argentina's triumph after thwarting Kingsley Coman in the penalty shootout.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper also got in the head of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and delayed his spot-kick by throwing the ball away. After a long wait, Tchouameni dragged his penalty wide to hand Argentina the advantage.
Speaking after the shootout, an emotional Martinez said: "It's a moment that I always have to give to my teammates, they kicked me three times again and scored three goals, but then I did everything right."
Martinez made a huge save in the final moments of extra-time to keep Argentina alive after France substitute Randal Kolo Muani had been played in on goal.
He added: "A game of suffering, two s***ty shots and they tied us. One thing we said was that it was destiny to suffer, we got 3-2, they charge us another penalty, thank God I took that foot out.
"Then I did my thing, what I dreamed of, there could not be a World Cup that I have dreamed of so much."
