FIFA World Cup Final: Dream come true for Messi as Argentina defeat France to be crowned world champions

Lionel Messi lifts the trophy after Argentina win the FIFA World Cup following their thrilling victory over France in the final in Lusail. AP

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez blocks a shot from France’s Kingsley Coman during the penalty shootout of the FIFA World Cup final in Lusail, Qatar. AP

Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel celebrates by taking his shirt off after scoring the winning shot during the penalty shootout against France in the World Cup final. AP

The Argentines celebrate in a huddle after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the dejected French players look on. AP

Talismanic French forward Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in a losing cause in the final, walks past the World Cup trophy during the presentation ceremony. AP

Argentina’s Lionel Messi kisses the trophy during the presentation ceremony of the FIFA World Cup final. AP

Enzo Fernandez (Young Player), Lionel Messi (Golden Ball), Emiliano Martinez (Golden Glove) and Kylian Mbappe (Golden Boot) pose with their respective awards during the presentation ceremony of the FIFA World Cup final in Lusail, Qatar. AP

The presentation ceremony at the FIFA World Cup final takes place on a platform shaped after the Qatar 2022 logo. AP

Fireworks go off at the Lusail Iconic Stadium after Argentina are crowned world champions following their thrilling victory over France in the final. AP

Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy in hand in front of thousands of Argentina fans at the Lusail Iconic Stadium. AP