Argentina ended their 36-year wait for World Cup glory with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over France in a truly remarkable final.
Much of the build-up was dominated by talk of Lionel Messi and his destiny, and the 35-year-old now has the crowning moment on a remarkable career. His first-half penalty put his country in front, before Angel Di Maria doubled the lead before the break. Les Blues were a shadow of the side that went all the way four years ago for much of the match, until Kylian Mbappe stepped up and scored twice in the space of 97 seconds to send it to extra-time.
It remained level at the midway stage, as Messi put Argentina in front once more, but Mbappe stepped up again with another penalty to seal a stunning hat-trick as it finished 3-3. That was in vain, as Argentina held their nerve in the shootout, with Gonzalo Montiel dispatching the winning spot-kick.
