It was 3-3 after 120 minutes of exhilarating football, following which the La Albiceleste triumphed 4-2 in the shootout as Lionel Messi won the coveted trophy at the age of 35.

For France, Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick in vain, which was a first in a World Cup final since 1966.

The World Cup was the one big trophy missing from Messi’s illustrious career and the final began in comfortable fashion for him as the Argentines cruised to a 2-0 lead.

The Paris Saint Germain forward broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute from the spot after Ousmane Dembele's soft foul on Angel di Maria.

Di Maria then doubled the advantage 12 minutes later as Alexis Mac Allister set him up for a smiple finish.

Argentina was barely troubled in the second half until Mbappé - who won the Golden Boot scoring eight goals, one better than the seven scored by Messi - gave France a lifeline from the penalty spot with nine minutes left.

The mercurial Frenchman then levelled the score with an acrobatic volley to a minute later.

In the extra time, Messi once again finished a brilliant team move to give Argentina the lead and what at that time looked like the potential winner.

But there was more drama as Mbappé completed his hat-trick from the spot with two minutes to go.

It was another superb show from Argentina keeper Emiliano Martínez, who played a crucial role as the famous golden trophy was lifted by his teammates.

Messi and scored their penalties before Martínez saved from Kingsley Coman.

Aurelian Tchouameni missed his chance, before Gonzalo Montiel slotted it in to win the third World Cup for Argentina.

Messi fell down to his knees following the last shot, in tears, before he was surrounded by his teammates.

The victory means Lionel Scaloni is the first Argentina manager to win both the Copa America and the World Cup.