World Cup final LIVE: Latest after Argentina and Lionel Messi beat France on penalties

FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants to hold the World Cup every three years as part of a long-term plan to revolutionise international football.

He's also convinced that staging the World Cup in the middle of a European winter over the past month has proved to be a game-changer, which shows that the sport can continue to grow and be globalised.

This'll go down well...

Full exclusive from Matt Hughes below.

The World Cup may be done for four (or three-and-a-half) more years, but the general consensus is that we shouldn't forget what the issues that engulfed the tournament in Qatar.

Our Chief Sports Writer, Martin Samuel, has had his say. Read below.

How about the worst team?

Using Sofascore's rankings, we've put together an XI of the players that scored the worst at the World Cup.

There's a spot for Cristiano Ronaldo, a Premier League star and even a tournament winner.

Check it out for yourself below.

We've done a team of the tournament.

It's not hard to work out who is up front... but who else makes the cut? How many players from the final? Any Englishmen?

Check the story below to find out.

Here's the story on the two stars of the final embracing after the game.

FIFA shared the footage of the PSG team-mates hugging it out on the field of play.

Enemies for 90 minutes, but friends before and after.

The goalscorer of Argentina's second yesterday, Angel di Maria, is set to retire from international football, going out on a high.

He was the first person Lionel Messi passed the trophy to after victory. The two have had a long career together, and have been lucky enough to call each other team-mates at both international and club level.

But how good is di Maria? Is he one of Argentina's greats? One of our writers Pete Jenson has his say...

The plane - and Jules Rimet trophy - is full speed ahead towards Argentina now, right in the middle of that ocean we all know the name of.

I wonder if anyone on the flight is getting any sleep ahead of the party that awaits when they land. Current landing time is 5:07am UK time - 2:07 in Buenos Aires!

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe were billed as the stars of the show in the build-up to the final, and that proved to be with Mbappe netting the second ever World Cup final hat-trick ever and Messi scoring twice before lifting the trophy.

The PSG team-mates were seen goading each other during the game, but it was all huge afterwards - let's hope it's not awkward when they link up again in Paris.

Here's the footage of the goading - will have the story about the full time scenes soon.

Here's that FIFA article. Funny.

The France squad have returned home after losing the World Cup final, and received a hero's welcome despite the defeat.

Kylian Mbappe looked glum as the squad exited Paris airport, and manager Didier Deschamps is set to decide on his future soon.

An update on the champions' flight...

A short trip over Senegal is completed and they're now over the ocean and out of Africa.

I'm not going to pretend to be a geography expert - I don't know what sea or ocean or whatever they are over, I won't lie - but their next trip over land will be in South America.

Their landing time is now states as 5:04am UK time, 2:04am in Buenos Aires. But that won't deter a huge crowd from greeting their players upon their landing.

There's a really funny video of Christian Romero and Lisandro Martinez playing video game FIFA after Argentina's World Cup win, filmed by Emi Martinez.

It was 6am, and I would imagine there were a few beers in the bloodstream by then.

Give me a sec and I'll have the story for you!

Eyebrows were raised around the world after Lionel Messi- just moments before finally getting his hands on the prize him and Argentina craved more than all - was dressed in a robe by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim. 

Having finally got his hands on the World Cup, Messi's chance to lift the trophy was delayed as he was dressed in the robe by the Emir of Qatar with FIFA president Gianni Infantino watching on rather closely. 

Called a bisht, the robe is traditionally worn at major occasions such as weddings and other events and signifies honour and prestige - the significance of Messi being dressed in one by the leader of the country was not lost on many observers.

It certainly split opinion. Check out more below.

Injured star Giovani Lo Celso has shared a picture with captain Lionel Messi after Argentina's World Cup triumph.

Though he didn't play in Qatar, Lo Celso did have a big role in Argentina's journey there. The Villarreal playmaker played the most minutes out of all of Argentina's absent stars from the World Cup.

The midfielder was forced off after just 25 minutes during Villarreal's 1-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao in October.

Heartbreak for him in terms of missing out on the tournament, but he was happy for the side nonetheless.

You know the drill - story below!

Enzo Fernández, on the other hand, was used the most in the final phase (563 minutes in seven games) without having played in the qualifiers.

Here's one for you.

FIFA are facing questions after celebrity chef Nusret Gokce - better known as Salt Bae - somehow gained access to the pitch at the Lusail Stadium after the World Cup final, and was seen touching the iconic trophy. 

Gokce was seen grabbing Messi n an attempt to draw his attention, although he was reportedly rebuffed by the forward.

The infamous chef remained on the pitch among the celebrating Argentinian players and contravened FIFA's strict rules on who may touch the World Cup trophy.

Not good. Check out our story below.

The Argentina players' plane isn't the only flight heading back to South America - a jet filled with fans supporting the nation has been in the air too and the footage is pretty cool. Check it out below.

The Argentina flight is out of Algeria - did anyone know it was such a big country, by the way?

A short trip over Mali and they're not into Mauritania. They stopped in Rome and left there at 3:34pm. Arrival time in Buenos Aires is scheduled for 4:12am right now.

There haven't been any more videos coming out from the plane that I can see, but I bet the party is still going strong.

Yesterday, for many, was confirmation that Lionel Messi is the best player of all time.

A day he finally lifted the World Cup trophy, the most iconic photos ever, an outpouring of emotion for many and random fans around the world wanting Argentina to win just for the great man.

But not for one of our writers, Jeff Powell. He not even in Jeff's top two!

Have a read of the below and see why.

Another World Cup win means another star.

A reminder of the footage shared earlier - and here's our story.

I noticed this at the time, but I didn't think it was too big a deal. Just wanted to share it again.

Some of the press in France are suggesting Messi's second goal, in stoppage time, shouldn't have stood yesterday because there were a couple of Argentina subs on the pitch already celebrating on the far side before the ball went in.

Here's a pic and the story. Worth having a look at!

One of the best stories from Argentina's winning side was Alexis Mac Allister.

The 23-year-old has been a star for Brighton in the Premier League this season but showed the world his talent in Qatar, playing a key role in their route to victory.

Naturally, you'd expect plenty of interest in his services from some of the biggest clubs in the world. But Brighton have him tied down until 2025, so cash will have to be coughed up...

‘He will be sought after but we hope to keep him here for as long as we can', Seagulls chief executive Paul Barber has said.

Full story below.

Messi and Co. are through Europe after flying from Rome and they're currently over Africa - Algeria to be exact.

They've got nine hours to go until they land in Buenos Aires, but I'd imagine the flight is a bit more exciting than your average journey...

The Argentina squad are currently in transit on their way back home where they are expected to land at around 2am (GMT).

A video shared by left-back Nicolas Tagliafico has shown their players singing in preparation for them taking the trophy to the city's iconic Obelisk monument on Tuesday.

The party is likely to continue throughout this week and into Christmas in Argentina.

Unsurprisingly, the image of Lionel Messi has been plastered over the front pages of newspapers in the South American nation, while one delighted fan is even pictured (below) getting a tattoo in honour of the 35-year-old icon.

More clips continue to emerge of the euphoric scenes in Argentina after yesterday's World Cup triumph.

The joy and pleasure for thousands of Argentinians can be seen in the below video and they'll be sure to be waiting for their returning heroes this evening.

Emiliano Martinez has explained that he made a lewd gesture with the World Cup's Golden Glove award to hit back at France fans after they booed him during Argentina's thrilling final win.

Martinez was one of Argentina's heroes in the final, making a curical save to deny Randal Kolo Muani in the final minute of extra time and then keeping out Kingsley Coman's penalty in the resulting shootout.

After keeping three clean sheets in Qatar, Martinez was handed the Golden Glove which is given to the best goalkeeper at the tournament. Shortly afterwards, he was pictured making a rude gesture with the gong as he held it over his private parts.

Read our full story below

Argentina have acted fast in adorning their national team shirt with another star after their victory in Qatar.

The triumph on Sunday was their third World Cup win after they also emerged as champions in 1978 and 1986.

Last night's game has widely been labelled as the greatest World Cup final of all time.

However, Angel Di Maria's goal for Argentina - his team's second - has also in some quarters been called the greatest World Cup final goal of all time after a free-flowing move blew the French defence apart.

Here's another look at that goal below.

Argentinia are set to receive an emotional homecoming after their World Cup triumph with scenes in Buenos Aires yesterday encapsulating the passion for football in the South American nation.

Argentina were set to take off from Doha at around 2pm on Monday to return to their capital city and as previous photos have shown, it looks like they're already en route.

There is a stop-off in Madrid on the way, with the team expected to land back home between 10pm and midnight (GMT).

An official celebration with fans is planned on Tuesday - although a time and place is not confirmed yet. 

They will no doubt be greeted by euphoric supporters back home, like the below photos from Sunday night.

World Cup-winning Argentina players including Lionel Messi have set off on their journey as they fly back from Qatar as world champions.

The South American side beat France 4-2 on penalties at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday evening in a thrilling match.

And Argentina are currently on their way home, where hundreds of thousands of jubilant fans are waiting for them to begin the celebrations in earnest with Messi and Co.

Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football after missing France's run to the World Cup final.

Benzema was sent home on the eve of the tournament after picking up an injury, but there was some speculation that he could have returned for the final after playing in a friendly for Real Madrid.

However, he reportedly rejected the opportunity to go back to Qatar after falling out with manager Didier Deschamps, and has now taken to social media to confirm that he has decided to call time on his international career.

Reports that Karim Benzema was set to be passed fit and rejoin the French squad for the final circulated in the days leading up to yesterday's showpiece event after he had initially been sent home and ruled out of the tournament.

He then reportedly snubbed an invitation to attend the final, with reports suggesting he had fallen out with boss Didier Deschamps.

However, the Real Madrid forward has just issued a cryptic tweet which potentially suggests he could be retiring from international duty - which would tie in with the news that broke earlier regarding Deschamps extending his stay with the national team.

The former US president Barack Obama has even got invovled in the debate on who is the greatest footballer of all-time.

Obama has backed Lionel Messi in the argument, sharing his view to his 133.3million followers.

There will be some sore heads for those waking up in Buenos Aires today after a memorable night for the nation.

The party continued into the hours of daylight in the Argentinian capital and it will be sure to resume today.

Mario Gotze is a name that is etched onto the World Cup trophy, with the German midfielder scoring the winning goal that broke Argentinian hearts in the 2014 World Cup final.

It is perhaps understandable if he is an unpopular figure in the South American nation - but it seems there are no hard feeling from Gotze's side - as he showed his support for Lionel Messi and Co on Sunday.

FIFA have updated the world rankings after the World Cup concluded on Sunday.

However, Argentina only rise to second despite their triumph with Brazil remaining the No 1 ranked nation.

Belgium drop two places to fourth after crashing out in the group stages in Qatar, while Morocco are the biggest risers - jumping 11 places to 11th after their memorable fourth-placed finish at the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who is the most followed man on the planet, has remained silent all on fronts after his great rival Lionel Messi helped Argentina win the World Cup.

Ronaldo struggled in the tournament, scoring just once as Portugal exited at the quarter-final stage of the competition.

And the former Manchester United man is yet to congratulate his former El Classico adversary.

Read our full story below.  

We've had their worst team, so how about L'Equipe's team of the tournament.

There's even a place for England star Bukayo Saka, with their highest rated player Kylian Mbappe.

You can read our full story on their team below.

Several clips have circulated since the final of the celebrations in the Argentinian dressing room post-match.

One video of a member of the Argentina party diving head first into a bin has been going viral on social media, with the individiual performing a perfect dive and one that perhaps wouldn't look out of place in the Olympics.

Argentinian legend Gabriel Batistuta broke down in tears after Argentina won the World Cup.

The former striker, who scored 56 times in 78 appearances for his national team, could barely contain his emotions after finally witnessing his nation secure glory for the first time since 1986.

French outlet L'Equipe have published their worst team of the World Cup.

It's quite a brutal selection, with Wales star Gareth Bale featuring, alongside his team-mate Wayne Hennessey.

Bale struggled in Qatar, scoring just once - a penalty against USA - while he was hauled off at half-time against England after having just seven touches.

Aston Villa and Poland right-back Matty Cash features, while there are also places for his team-mates Piotr Zieliński and Krystian Bielik.

Lionel Messi's post on Instagram following the World Cup final has been loved by fans worldwide.

In fact, the 42.2million likes Messi's post received means it is the second most-liked post ever on the social media platform.

The 35-year-old shared snaps from the game - and also the celebrations afterwards.

A fascinating video has been shared on social media from the streets of Buenos Aires's Plaza de Mayo as Gonzalo Montiel stepped up to take Argentina's winning penalty.

Make sure you have the sound on for this one.

Well, that's what the French press are saying, because two 'emotional Argentina substitutes' ran onto the pitch before Lionel Messi's 108th minute strike had crossed the line.

Read the full story below.

France have been pictured on their way home from Qatar the morning after losing the World Cup final. 

Les Bleus made their exit from their hotel early on Monday, with manager Didier Deschamps looking stony-faced as the team's coach headed to the airport. 

Read our full story below.

It would have been a special experience to be in Buenos Aires or elsewhere in Argentina yesterday after they won their third World Cup in history.

These photos from the celebrations in the Argentinian capital really encapsulate the thousands of fans who turned out to rejoice in their country's success.

One of the more bizarre elements of Argentina's celebrations was former star Sergio Aguero labelling Eduardo Camavinga a 'd***face' during a live stream on Instagram. 

Aguero made the comment during a video that was streamed to 500,000 people after Argentina's success against France in the World Cup final. 

Many fans were left baffled as to why Aguero chose to call out Camavinga, who featured as a substitute in the final. 

Read our full story below.

A party through to daylight, a romantic dinner with the World Cup as the centre-piece and a member of the coaching staff diving head first into a bin.

Read all about Argentina's World Cup celebrations in our article below.

As if the drama during arguably the greatest-ever World Cup final wasn't enough, take a look at this clip from the celebrations in Buenos Aires yesterday.

An Argentinian fan was seemingly hanging from a roof and in danger of falling, before he was successfully hauled to safety - much to the relief and delight of onlookers.

Argentinia are set to receive an emotional homecoming after their World Cup triumph with scenes in Buenos Aires yesterday encapsulating the passion for football in the south American nation.

Argentina are set to take off from Doha at around 2pm on Monday to return to their capital city.

There is a stop-off in Madrid on the way, with the team expected to land back home between 10pm and midnight (GMT).

An official celebration with fans is planned on Tuesday - although a time and place is not confirmed yet. 

L'Equipe have published their full ratings for the French players after Sunday's heartbreaking defeat to Argentina.

The French outlet are renowned for being hard to impress in their ratings and they lived up to the expectation after the World Cup final.

You can read our article in full below.

He may have only joined them in the summer of 2021, but PSG were quick to praise Lionel Messi after yesterday.

Their president Nasser Al-Khelaifi posed with the new World Cup champion after the game, while Messi's good friend and team-mate Neymar - also sent his congratulations.

With the 35-year-old's contract expiring at the end of the season, there has also been much discussion about Messi's future at the club.

However, Al-Khelaifi was firm in outlining his club's desire to keep their star man.

He told RMC Sport: 'We want to keep both Leo Messi and Mbappé, of course — they’re the best player and the best goalscorer of the World Cup. I won’t say more about Messi as we have a plan to discuss after the World Cup.'

After yesterday's game, Argentina enjoyed a parade through the streets of Doha as they basked in the glory of their World Cup victory.

The players certainly looked like they were enjoying themselves.

He might have headlined BBC's World Cup coverage on Sunday, but Gary Lineker has already returned to the UK.

The former England footballer was not shy in his criticism of Qatar during the tournament and he is likely to be straight back into action with BBC's Match of the Day when the Premier League returns on Boxing Day.

It was widely expected that Didier Deschamps would depart as France boss after the World Cup, ending his 10-year reign in charge of the national team.

France icon and former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane was expected to be his replacement, but it now looks as if Deschamps may be staying in the role in bad news for Zidane, according to RMC Sport.

A new billboard is already on display in Dubai after Lionel Messi finally achieved his aim of winning the one trophy that he had never laid his hands on.

The billboard encapsulates Messi celebrating yesterday's win, with four other versions of himself also in the shot - of when he appeared at the 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups.

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has called for 'every football tournament' to be staged in the Middle-East after attending the World Cup in Qatar.

Pietersen posted a social media video of supporters outside the one of the World Cup stadiums the day after Argentina beat France in the final. 

He contrasted the peaceful scenes with the chaos at last year's European Championship final between England and Italy, when thousands of ticketless fans tried to storm Wembley Stadium.

Kylian Mbappe has taken to social media for the first time since the World Cup final.

The France star simply posted a photo of himself with the Golden Boot, while walking past the World Cup trophy, and said: 'We will return'

There was jubilant scenes in the Argentinian capital on Sunday after they won their first World Cup in 36 years.

Thousands of fans took to the streets of Buenos Aires to bask in their nation's glory after Lionel Messi and Co defeated France on penalties.

Having come so close to winning back-to-back World Cups, France were understandably gutted at the final whistle.

In truth, with so many star names such as Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema missing the tournament through injury, it was a fantastic achievement from Didier Deschamps's side to reach the final.

And, following the game, the reaction in France seems to be sympathetic to the team - with the French papers outlining their 'pride' at Les Bleus' performance in Qatar.

You can read our full story on the reaction from the French press below.

The Argentinians enjoyed themseves after their dramatic win and deservedly so, winning their first World Cup since 1986.

In a clip shared by Nicolas Otamendi, some of the celebrations in the dressing room looked wild, including one particular member of staff diving head first into a bin.

The debate will continue after Lionel Messi finally won the one trophy he has always wanted, but the Argentina star is most certainly one of the finest players to ever grace the world stage.

Another feather in the cap for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner can be seen with the below stat.

Emi Martinez has been widely hailed as a penalty king for his efforts not only in yesterday's World Cup final, but also the quarter-final against Holland.

However, Sportsmail's Chris Sutton was fuming at his behaviour during Sunday's shootout and argued how he acted was 'despicable'.

This topic was discussed in our latest and final World Cup Confidential, which you can view below.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has heaped praise on Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni after he guided his nation to World Cup glory.

At just 44, Scaloni became the youngest coach to ever win the World Cup and he will no doubt be a hero forever in Argentina.

And Ancelotti was full of praise for Scaloni, arguing his side were fully-deserving winners in Qatar.

Argentina's celebrations after their dramatic World Cup win continued all the way through to daylight as players made the most of etching themselves into the history book.

The party began on the pitch at the Lusail Stadium, before players returned to the dressing room and then enjoyed a victory parade in Qatar.

But some snaps shared on their Instagram accounts showed Argentinia's stars continuing to enjoy themselves all the way through the evening and into the morning.

Enzo Fernandez shared a video of Lautaro Martinez looking worse-for-wear with the time stamp at 6.53am, while Emi Martinez also relaxed into the early hours of Monday.

That's the major point of discussion in today's World Cup confidential as Sportsmails Ian Ladyman, Oliver Holt, Chris Sutton and Ian Herbert argue it had everything.

You can watch today's full episode below

Talking of Emmanuel Macron, here is the moment he tried to console Kylian Mbappe.

However, it looks like the French star was not interested in the words from his president.

There were several celebrities in attendance at the final yesterday, but some of the on-pitch celebrations after the game saw Gianni Infantino almost photobomb Argentina's trophy lift, while French president Emmanuel Macron was also out on the pitch.

Renowned chef Salt Bae was also bizarrely out there and it seems he was desperate to socialise with the players - although it looks as if Messi was having none of it and doing his best to ignore the Turkish chef.

Some fantastic footage has also been recorded of Argentinian-American broadcast legend Andres Cantor covering the moment Gonzalo Montiel secured the trophy for Argentina as he tucked his penalty past Hugo Lloris.

All sorts of emotions would have been running through Lionel Scaloni's head when his side lifted the World Cup trophy, with the former West Ham loaneee becoming the youngest manager to ever win the competition.

But in some remarkable footage captured, Scaloni seems extremely calm, before breaking down with emotion - when the magnitude of the achievement kicked in.

After winning their first World Cup for 36 years, understandably there were major celebrations back home in Argentina.

This particular video shows the scale of the party in Buenos Aires after Lionel Scaloni's side etched themself into history.

Some fantastic scenes and maybe a few sore heads this morning - not that it'll bother anyone!

A fairtyale ending for Lionel Messi in a final that set hearts racing.

Argentina were cruising at 2-0 up before two goals in 94 seconds from Kylian Mbappe set this crazy final alive.

Messi thought he had won it in extra time, before Mbappe scored his second penalty of the night to take the game to penalties.

Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive penalty after Aurelien Tchouameni had missed his spot kick and Emi Martinez saved from Kingsley Coman as Argentina won their first World Cup since 1986.

READ MARTIN SAMUEL'S FULL MATCH REPORT BELOW

Well, what a game of football that was!

Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the trophy he's been craving throughout his career, starring in his final World Cup game as Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time.

Welcome back to Sportsmail's live blog for all the fall-out and celebrations from both Argentina and France - with Lionel Scaloni's side preparing for an emotional homecoming today in Buenos Aires.

There is loads more reaction to come in the coming hours so join us back here in the morning to see all the fall-out in France and the party that will no doubt still be raging on in Buenos Aires.

Thanks for reading and be sure to read more reaction at dailymail.co.uk/sport 

Hailed one minute for consoling Kylian Mbappe at the end of the shootout... mocking the striker with a 'moment of silence' in the dressing room the next. 

Not so Mr Nice Guy, it seems...

FULL STORY HERE.

Emiliano Martinez is box-office - we all know that by now.

He saved two penalties in the shootout and before that made a huge save in extra-time to stop France from nicking victory.

But after being handed the Golden Glove award for Best Goalkeeper at the tournament... he bizarrely pulled out this vulgar move. One question: why?

FULL STORY HERE

Lionel Messi proving he's got the dance moves to back up his silky ones on the pitch after a stunning display in the World Cup final.

In truth, the Argentina dressing room after the match was carnage. Sergio Aguero started to live stream on Instagram, one of the players dived headfirst into a wheelie bin, there was a giant cheque being paraded around and a France player was being mocked.

FULL STORY HERE. 

Sportsmail's CHRIS SUTTON has also shared his thoughts on the all-action showpiece.

He counts himself VERY lucky to have witnessed the greatest World Cup final in history.

READ FULL STORY BELOW:

It's a dream every international manager has - winning the World Cup with your country.

For all the heartbreak Lionel Scaloni faced during his career - notably gifting Steven Gerrard a crucial goal which led to West Ham losing the 2006 FA Cup final - this moment has been a long-time coming for the Argentine.

Sportsmail's KIERAN GILL caught up with Bobby Zamora to learn more about Scaloni's reaction after the FA Cup defeat. Read his full exclusive below...

They may be out of the competition, but Roy Keane has not forgotten Brazil's dancing!

The Irish pundit lambasted the Brazilians for dancing the samba after scoring throughout the competition and couldn't resist one final dig as the tournament drew to a close.

'THAT'S when you dance, when you win it,' Keane said as Argentina celebrated their World Cup glory.

READ SPORTSMAIL'S FULL STORY BELOW:

With so much drama occurring in the final, it would be very easy to miss all of the off-field action during the latter stages of the World Cup.

Fortunately, MIKE KEEGAN is here to bring you an insider's view of the tournament, as he continues Sportsmail's World Cup Agenda as the tournament draws to a close.

Didier Deschamps wasn't pleased with Szymon Marciniak's decision to award Argentina Angel di Maria's penalty in the first half, but Sportsmail's MIKE DEAN heaped praise on the referee for his 'SUPERB' performance.

Lionel Messi will steal every headline on the front pages tomorrow. But don't underplay the role Angel di Maria had in this astonishing final.

In what was likely the winger's last shot at winning the elusive trophy, the 34-year-old became the FIRST ever Argentina player to score in both a World Cup and Copa America final, thanks to his well-taken goal in the first-half.

He also won Argentina's first penalty to kickstart their dominance until the 80th minute, and things started to unravel pretty drastically once he was taken off the field.

If we're using OLIVER HOLT's earlier comparison of Lionel Messi to Michael Jordan - and thus applying a basketball analogy - Di Maria was no doubt Argentina's Scottie Pippen in the final. Messi's perfect sidekick.

Oof... that's a grim reading for Dembele and Giroud.

L'Equipe didn't fancy giving the pair a rating after they were hooked off before the break during France's miserable first-half performance.

Even Mbappe didn't get a 10/10, despite firing the defending champions back into the contest with a hat-trick.

Take a look at their ratings below...

Qatar will brand their World Cup as the greatest ever. No doubt FIFA president Gianni Infantino will do the same.

In terms of finales, it's hard to argue with the spectacle. But, when the dust settles - and fans are done extolling Lionel Messi - Qatar are unlikely to escape the controversy that's surrounded them since the beginning.

Even Messi looked surprised as the Emir of Qatar dressed him in their traditional garment before lifting the trophy.

Here's IAN HERBERT'S take on the bizarre moment...

It's safe to assume that Emmanuel Macron's continual efforts to console Kylian Mbappe fell on deaf ears...

The hat-trick scoring superstar looked in no mood to listen the president's calming words during Argentina's celebration party, still bemused that his three goals - and penalty in the shootout - didn't bring France yet another World Cup title.

READ SPORTSMAIL'S FULL STORY BELOW:

Emi Martinez was the hero for Argentina, Lionel Messi impressed again under immense pressure - and Kylian Mbappe stole the highest score of the match despite ending up on the losing team.

Here's how Sportsmail's ROB DRAPER rated the players after the enthralling World Cup final...

Gordon Banks vs Brazil in 1970. Gianluigi Buffon vs France in 2006. Whichever your favourite World Cup save of all time is, it's hard to imagine a more important stop in a final than Emi Martinez's tonight.

And it's not even like Randal Kolo Muani fluffed his lines, as he broke through Argentina's defence deep into stoppage time in extra time. It was simply a spectacular stop from the 30-year-old goalkeeper.

The save, which kept Argentina's dreams of winning the World Cup alive and sent the match to penalties, will surely go down as one of - if not the - greatest saves in World Cup history.

It feels a long time ago since Saudi Arabia's shock 2-1 win against Argentina at the start of the tournament.

Having steered his country through the most dramatic of World Cups, Lionel Messi has no doubt earned the right to celebrate. 

Here the magic man is dancing on tables inside the Argentina dressing room. No doubt the carnival will continue long into the night!

To score a hat-trick in a World Cup final is some achievement. Only England legend Geoff Hurst reached the feat before Qatar, and as expected, he won it all in 1966.

To score a hat-trick in a World Cup final and lose is something no player has ever had to recover from.

With the world fixated on the poetic image of Messi finally lifting the World Cup trophy, Sportsmail's IAN LADYMAN has viewed the final through a different lens - Mbappe sitting bemused and deflated on the France bench after scoring three goals and losing.

At the end, as the Lusail Stadium began to resemble a Buenos Aires street carnival, Kylian Mbappe sat in the French dug out and waited for it to be over. That’s one of the problems with cup finals. When you don’t win you have to wait forever until they let you go home.

READ LADYMAN'S FULL ARTICLE BELOW:

In case you missed it, Qatar's final imprint on the World Cup came as FIFA president Gianni Infantino bizarrely dressed Lionel Messi in a traditional Arabic robe before lifting the trophy.

The robe called a bisht is traditionally worn for special or ceremonial occasions such as weddings or religious festivals. 

Messi clearly looked a little surprise as he was draped in the robe...

If you thought tonight would be the last time you'd ever see the phenomenon grace the stage in an Argentina shirt, you'd be wrong. Messi has confirmed his plans to continue playing international football.

It's not yet clear how long he'll play for the national team, but he insists he wants to play 'as a champion' before hanging up his boots for good.

'I'm not retiring from the national team,' he revealed after the match. 'I want to keep playing as a champion.'

Okay, so if tonight has crowned Messi - in many people's eyes - as the undisputed greatest of all time in football, where does he rank outside of football?

Sportsmail's Chief Sports Writer OLIVER HOLT believes the Argentine is now in an elevated category alongside Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky and Tom Brady. 'One of sport's very few'.

Do you agree?

That you did, John... but not at a World Cup!

Chelsea and England legend John Terry quickly took to social media to poke fun at retired Argentinian international Sergio Aguero for invading the pitch with the Argentina jersey on.

Terry famously did something similar when he sported his Chelsea kit following the Blues' Champions League triumph in 2012.

He tweeted: 'If your going to do it, at least go for it and put the shin pads and boots on!'

Meanwhile, Terry reacted as a pundit on beIN Sports and said: 'Aguero has gone for the full John Terry there hasn’t he?! I did it first!'

READ SPORTSMAIL'S FULL STORY BELOW:

There's been an on-running back and forth between British tennis star Andy Murray and TV presenter Piers Morgan throughout the competition, and the 35-year-old couldn't resist poking the bear after Argentina's victory.

Morgan, a long-time fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, has been continually singing the Portuguese forward's praises throughout the tournament and willed on France during the final. 

As Messi finally got his hands on the World Cup, Murray tweeted: 'Not sure that World Cup could have gone any WORSE for you, Piers Morgan!'

Once the dust settles on Argentina's dramatic win and Messi's World Cup triumph, fans and pundits will no doubt turn their attention to FIFA's Young Player of the Tournament Enzo Fernandez. 

A relative unknown heading into the tournament, the Benfica midfielder will see his market value skyrocket after a sensational World Cup, and he's entered excellent company amongst former winners of the award.

With Kylian Mbappe winning the gong in 2018, Paul Pogba claiming it in 2014 and Thomas Muller lifting it in 2010, the future is certainly bright for the Argentina starlet.

READ SPORTSMAIL'S FULL STORY BELOW:

It's amazing how much joy and misery one kick of a football can bring...

Whether it brings tears of jubilation or despair, players dropping to the knees in victory or defeat, it's incredible to witness how much this game means to billions around the world.

Here's the moment that won it for Argentina, carving Gonzalo Montiel into the history books.

England star James Maddison is the latest high-profile talent to chime in on the GOAT debate.

It seems, for most, the debate is well and truly over, but Maddison feels it's been dead and buried for a long, long time.

Lionel Messi winning the World Cup for Argentina in this manner was pure poetry...

It's only fitting, therefore, that Sportsmail recaps Messi's fairytale triumph with one of the best wordsmiths around, MARTIN SAMUEL.

He did it, for them. But they did it, for him, too. In the end, they crossed the divide together, Lionel Messi and Argentina, as world champions. He takes his place in the pantheon now, yet humble foot soldiers helped him there. This was not destiny. This took blood, sweat and, quite literally, tears from them all...

READ SAMUEL'S FULL REPORT BELOW:

Despite clawing the match back to a penalty shoot-out, France boss Didier Deschamps was in no mood to forget his side's woeful performance in the first half.

The reigning champions were going out with a whimper before Mbappe's quickfire double late on, which handed France a lifeline ahead of extra time.

While blasting his players for lacking the 'correct attitude' during the first 45 minutes, Deschamps couldn't help but mention the virus that blighted the French camp ahead of the final.

READ FULL STORY BELOW:

Sportsmail's live blog is set to continue throughout the evening as we bring you live updates following Argentina's stunning World Cup triumph in Qatar.

Lionel Messi is no doubt the centre of attention right now having finally grasped the World Cup trophy, and former players are jumping to Twitter to laud the Argentine as the 'best ever'.

Do you agree with Jamie Carragher? Is the debate over?

And that's where I will sign off tonight's coverage for myself, and the Mail on Sunday's chief sports writer.

But DON'T go away just yet!

Steering you through the live reaction throughout the evening is BEN WILLCOCKS so make sure you keep this page open. There is PLENTY more to come.

Over to you Ben...

'The narrative around this final was simple and beautiful. It was the last chance for the man who has been the world's greatest player for much of the last two decades to win its biggest prize. And Lionel Messi did it.

'The greatest sportsmen and women find a way to carry their teams over the line to win the most important trophies. And even though France very nearly ruined the script with two astonishing comebacks, Messi did it. He did not blink. He did not falter and he inspired his team to the World Cup.

'It is hard to compare across the generations so there is no point saying Messi is the greatest of all time but there can be no argument now that he belongs in the pantheon with Pele and Diego Maradona as the greatest players of all time.

'There are no caveats any more. None. More than that, he is part of a rare breed of Great Ones, players who bestrode their team sports, players like Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky and Tom Brady. Messi is one of the Great Ones now and he was anointed in the greatest World Cup final of all time.'

Hurst you MAY remember scored the only other World Cup final hat-trick when England beat... I think it was West Germany 4-2 back in.... was it 1966? Not much is made of it in this country.........

The England legend though has sportingly congratulated Mbappe though by welcoming the France hitman to the World Cup final hat-trick club.

Read more below

Lionel Messi gets his medal, then needlessly is draped in a black and gold robe by FIFA chiefs including president Gianni Infantino who has a word or two with him with him arm around him, before allowing the maestro the chance to pick up the trophy greet his team-mates and bounce up and down with them to mark Argentina's third World Cup win. What a moment!

One-by-one the Argentina players are collecting their medals as their names are being read out. No surprises who will be last to stand and collect theirs....

'It is a cliche, of course, but France did not deserve to lose that final tonight. They were mediocre in the first half but their second half comeback was absolutely stunning.

'They came out of nowhere to turn the final into a classic and they could have - should have - won it in the dying seconds of extra time.

'They were magnificent and Kylian Mbappe, in particular, was dazzling. They were winners, too, in their way but it will not feel like that for them now or ever.'

Four years on from winning in Russia, they now get hit with the other side of the coin in the World Cup final. No need for me to tell you they all look devastated.

Big smiles as Lionel Messi grabs the award, for the second time I might add, he was fortunate to get it back in 2014 - but no doubts now - he has been sensational.

A cheeky kiss of the World Cup trophy as he passes on his way to the podium as he joins the other individual winners for a photo opportunity.

A hat-trick in the World Cup final is every boy's dream but it's a nightmare for Mbappe, whose treble sees him take the Golden Boot with eight goals. He looks ashen faced - no surprise given France's defeat.

Enzo Fernandez is first up, collecting young player of the tournament, up next Emi Martinez takes the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper of the World Cup.

The French media are reacting - praising their team's effort saying they are proud of them in a 'cruel' loss.

Not before time as the lights dim and the atmosphere increases again. I say 'not before time', we all needed a breather after that didn't we?

Jermaine Jenas: I can’t get my head around this game. One of the greatest moments in football history. Credit to France. Mbappe has got a World Cup hat-trick, he will come again.'

Alan Shearer: 'I have never seen anything like it. It was a pleasure to be here. Thank you to Messi and Mbappe. I felt it was written in the stars for the biggest star, and it was. They kept going. The mentality and courage they showed to take the penalties. Well done and thank you for entertaining it.'

Rio Ferdinand: 'I can tell my grandkids I was here for this final. Not only for Messi to lift the world cup, but also seeing the next generation in Mbappe. What a way to finish your international career.'

Pablo Zabaleta: 'It is one of those moments…. I was looking at Messi, I know what it means.. Well done to France for that great game. But a perfect story for Messi. I am so happy to be here and enjoy that.'

All via BBC

This miss is going to haunt him for the rest of his life. He should have scored and had he done, he would have almost certainly won France their third title. Fine margins folks. He had that header off target too seconds before!

'I saw Argentina play - and lose - in their first game of this tournament. That defeat by Saudi Arabia was one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history and it is a strange road that led from that to this gilded night in the Lusail Stadium.

'Messi looked finished during that game with the Saudis. He looked shot. He looked tired. He looked defeated. His dream of winning the tournament was hanging by a thread then but Argentina have got better and better and better as the competition has gone on and they clung on here to get over the finish line.'

I'm slightly surprised given the 120 minutes of energy put into this but adrenalin must be carrying these players through.

Messi embraces his mother on the pitch with a hug, before rejoining his team-mates who are bouncing up and down in front of their supporters pitchside - with Sergio Aguero getting involved too.

Title No 3 if you are playing at home...

'I have been to seven World Cups now and that was the greatest final I have ever seen. It must have a claim to be the best ever.'

'We always think of Brazil-Italy in 1970 as epitomising the beauty of football but it was a one-sided contest. And 1966 had drama and comebacks and extra time. But this final had all that, too. And more.'

Don't just take my word for it, Oliver Holt too is sold on that greatest ever claim.

Forget World Cup finals, this may just be the greatest game ever - and I don't like dealing in hyperbole.

It's one that also ends in a fairytale fashion of Lionel Messi finally getting his hands on the World Cup. What drama!

Argentina are the world champions

Gonzalo Montiel scores - Argentina win the World Cup

Randal Kolo Muani scores

Leandro Paredes scores

Aurelien Tchouameni misses

Paulo Dybala scores

Kingsley Coman has shot saved

Lionel Messi scores

Kylian Mbappe scores

...this is how close they came to stealing victory! 

Penalties coming up now!

To penalty kicks we go after one of the most incredible, bonkers, entertaining and pulsating games I have ever had the pleasure of watching. SENSATIONAL!

120+1min: Best game I've ever seen. It's certainly up there! Kolo Muani headers wide but then he is put through on goal on a one-on-one only for Martinez to save!

118min: You can't write this stuff! Montiel is booked for a handball (hand was raised blocking a shot) and Kylian Mbappe shows Kane how it's done by slotting home his second penalty for his hat-trick - the first in a final since 1966  (Geoff Hurst and all that).

Nope, not joking!!!!!!

115min: Paredes is booked after chopping down Camavinga.

It's also his seventh goal of the finals - drawing him level again with Mbappe.

109min: The scenes! Argentina attack the right and after Lloris saves a near post shot, Lionel Messi fires the rebound home despite an attempted clearance off the line. France want an offside call on Martinez but it's not going to come, and Messi may have just won his side the World Cup!

108min: Decent effort from Messi who with a turn and volley fires a shot towards the bottom corner at Lloris's near post. The Spurs keeper may have made a mess of that but he kept it out - and that's what matters.

'If it goes to penalties - and I hope it doesn't - then I think Argentina would be favourites.

'They would have the memory of that ill-tempered shoot-out with the Netherlands to sustain them, particularly the stellar performance of Emi Martinez in goal.'

105+1min: An even better chance for Martinez! This time he is through on goal but a recovering Upamecano just about puts him off enough to force him into firing wide.

105min: Prime Messi strikes! He gets the ball 25 yards out, goes on a burst dribble playing a one-two before feeding Lautaro Martinez, whose low shot is crucially blocked by Dayot Upamecano.

Montiel follows up with a scissors volley, but Raphael Varane gets his head in the way to block.

102min: And they are needed. Julio Alvarez and Rodrigo De Paul make way for Lautaro Martinez and Leandro Paredes, who lost his place in the side today to Di Maria.

100min: France though are still the team on top, to the point Messi is now back defending as he diverts play out for a corner.

98min: That full-time whistle came at just the right time for Argentina who, to me, were in a state of panic after conceding those two France goals. They have regrouped slightly but are still nowhere near the dominant team they were for the first 80 minutes of this game.

96min: Youssouf Fofana comes on to replace Adrien Rabiot, who may have suffered a suspected concussion.

A calmer start to the opening of extra-time but the tempo is still quite high.

Nahuel Molina departs for Argentina at full-back as Gonzalo Montiel replaces him.

During the madness of the France comeback to full-time I forgot to add that Olivier Giroud, who was subbed in the first half, was booked for a show of dissent from the bench. Acuna has also been booked.

'Out of an utterly one-sided match, suddenly we have got a World Cup Final that has turned into a classic.

'What a comeback from France and reason would suggest that they will approach extra time in a far more positive frame of mind than Argentina.

'Some Argentina players already look shattered but what has Messi got left? Enough to produce that piledriver in the last minute of added time that was saved by Lloris.

'What an ending that would have been but France are no longer in the mood to indulge the Messi fairy tale.'

Including stoppage time, that might be the most sensational 18 World Cup minutes I have ever seen - and I'm factoring in recency bias there.

The good news is we now have another 30 minutes of this pulsating encounter.

Still, where on earth did that France response come from. Approaching 80 minutes they look finished having done nothing all game!

90+7min: And then Messi nearly finishes it! From the edge of the box the maestro lets fly with a rising drive only for him to fire straight at Lloris who still does well to punch the ball over.

90+4min: It is ALL France. Argentina have collapsed. A low ball into the box sees Martinez save from close range, before Cristian Romero knees the ball towards Martinez to gather. Back pass? Apparently not.

I am not joking in suggesting Argentina are hanging on here - they desperately need extra-time as Enzo Fernandez darts back from midfield to make a crucial sliding tackle on Kolo Muani inside the box.

90+1min: France are now pushing for a winner. How this game has turned around in the last 10 minutes. I promise you this was a totally unthinkable scenario even 10 seconds before France had their penalty kick.

Mbappe's double by the way now makes him the World Cup's top goalscorer with seven goals.

88min: France are all over Argentina now and want a second penalty after Marcus Thuram goes down inside the box. But he is correctly booked for diving. Brilliant officiating.

81min: WHAT ON EARTH?!

This is sensational - in just 90 seconds. France have gone from being finished to being level!

Coman plays a ball to Kylian Mbappe, who after playing a one-two with Rabiot volleys superbly into the bottom corner across goal. A sensational World Cup story and moment for the ages this.

Who saw this coming?!

80min: France have done nothing - absolutely nothing. Now though it is game on, as Kylian Mbappe squeezes his penalty into the bottom corner past Emi Martinez who perhaps could have done a bit better there.

From nowhere, totally nowhere, France have a penalty. Nicolas Otamendi pulls down Randal Kolo Muani inside the box. Kylian Mbappe steps up...

'Griezmann substituted after 70 minutes. So much expected of him today and talked about as one of the players of the tournament before this match.

'But he was totally anonymous in the final. He barely contributed. He, as much as anyone, has been the symbol of France's submission in this match up to this point.'

Theo Hernandez and the frankly awful Antoine Griezmann depart as Eduardo Camavinga and Kingsley Coman come on, Moments before, Mbappe finally had a shot... but that too was never troubling Martinez as it flew over the bar.

67min: It's an actual France shot - but not on target. Kolo Muani nods wide of the near post after leaping high to meet a cross. Martinez gets back to reading his daily paper as he leans against the post...

64min: Marcos Acuna, who pulled out the starting XI, comes on to replace Angel di Maria who goes off to huge cheers around the ground in what is set to be his final tournament with Argentina.

Meanwhile the South American side are denied another penalty, with Dayot Upamecano appaering to nudge over Alexis Mac Allister inside the box. That wasn't too different to how Mason Mount was brought down for England in the quarter-final...

60min: All we are seeing though now is time for Argentina to find a third goal. Julian Alvarez forces Hugo Lloris into a near post save, while Messi is challenged at the last moment by Rabiot to before firing behind.

'I'm starting to wonder if France will say after the match that the virus some of their players have been suffering from has been worse than we have been told.

'Their performance has been so lifeless that it feels as if there has got to be some other explanation. They've been so poor it's strange. Still time yet, of course.'

Didier Deschamps told TF1 'We got through the first-half. We expected it, the players were warned but we had neither the attitude nor the respondent.

We are down 2-0. It will take a lot of other things to worry them and come back to equalise. They have to fight.

Descamps by the way has reappeared for the second half with tape to his thumb that he didn't have in the first half. Broken tea cups perhaps?

55min: Meanwhile Adrien Rabiot is booked for a poor challenge on De Paul who now needs a bit of treatment.

53min: France have been so bad that Emi Martinez in the Argentina goal is creating his own drama, running out of his box to poorly slice a kick before his defenders bail him out.

49min: No signs of France coming back into the game just yet. In fact Argentina go for a third goal as a high ball across the box finds Rodrigo De Paul, who on the volley can only shoot straight at Hugo Lloris. Good effort though.

No surprises to learn France were out early after their dreadful first half display...

'The white heat of a World Cup final causes all kinds of casualties. France have been a shadow of the team that has cut a swathe through this tournament but it was still sobering to see Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele substituted before half time.

'That kind of thing, taken off after 40 minutes of the World Cup final, is going to stay with you.

'France coach Didier Deschamps obviously decided France were being so badly beaten that he couldn't wait until the interval. It was a brave move to take off two of his starters but it was brutal.'

He wasn't pulling back his punches describing the forward's role in tripping Di Maria, calling his play 'pathetic' as well as 'embarrassing, stupidity' and getting 'played like a little boy' shortly before he too departed.

45+7min: Enzo Fernandez is the first man booked following a foul. A very rare Argentine blemish in that first period.

45+4min: I haven't seen a team this stunned in a World Cup final since perhaps Brazil in 1998. That game was overshadowed over the pre-match fitness of star striker Ronaldo and it led to an uncharacteristic disjointed performance from the South American side, ironically against France.

France have been absolutely dreadful so far. Whether it's down their players who had a virus not quite as fit as first thought or something else. Deschamps is going to need a huge half-time team-talk here.

45+1min: There will be seven added minutes, by the way, Kylian Mbappe has touched the ball just 10 times so far - that's fewer than any other outfield player and the same as Argentine keeper Emi Martinez who probably should have brought out some reading material given how little he has had to do.

41min: France's final is crumbling so badly that Didier Deschamps has already made a double change. Off come Ousmane Dembele and Olivier Giroud as Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani come on.

36min: Brutal! France lose the ball again and Argentina punish them on the counter attack. Messi flicks the ball up before releasing Alexis Mac Allister into space on the right, who then plays a low ball across goal for Angel di Maria to convert at the far post.

Superb goal, that. Di Maria is in tears!

32min: Messi by the way is also now the tournament's top goal scorer with six goals now... four of those have been penalties. They all count I guess.

France by the way are all over the place. This is by far the worst they have started a match so far at these finals.

'Everybody worried that the weight of expectation would be so great it would crush Argentina. The opposite is true at the moment. It seems to be inspiring. France are the team who had not started yet. They have frozen.'

23min: Only one man is taking this - and to little surprise, Lionel Messi scores sending Lloris the wrong way from the penalty spot. The stadium of largely Argentine fans erupts.

It's clumsy from Ousmane Dembele who trips Angel di Maria inside the box. It's also softy but VAR is not overturning that - and so it shouldn't.

'A half chance slipped away from Messi. And a better chance was fluffed by Di Maria. Both men look to the skies. Argentina have to seize their opportunities while they are on top or, as England found out, France will punish them.'

20min: About as close as France have come to doing anything in an attacking sense but Olivier Giroud heads over.

17min: Having said that, France lose the ball on the left side and it leads to Rodrigo De Paul cutting a ball back into the box. It's behind Lionel Messi but it does find Angel di Maria who wastefully fires way over the bar with a first time effort.

14min: Little sign of French improvement. They have at least calmed down Argentina's fast attacking start but are making little inroads into troubling the South American defence.

'Argentina have started superbly. Stronger, hungrier, sharper, faster. They're snarling and snapping their way into challenges. France are struggling to get any sort of foothold in the game.'

8min: Rodrigo De Paul sees a shot deflected behind for a corner, before there is a bit of Spurs-on-Spurs action as Cristian Romero challenges Hugo Lloris.

Lloris even needs a bit of treatment and lets the referee know he isn't happy that Romero wasn't punished.

Hotspur Way will sure be an interesting place to be at in the next few days or so...

5min: France have been a bit wobbly so far, they can't get their passes together as Alexis Mac Allister has the first shot on goal with a 25-yard effort straight at Hugo Lloris.

3min: Argentina, thanks to their huge partisan following, take the pre-match battle in terms of passion and they attack France early here.

A couple of 'let them know you're there' challenges from both teams early on but no chances as yet.

A reminder of the team news as we get going

Argentina: Damian Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Di Maria, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez.
Subs: Armani, Foyth, Montiel, Paredes, Pezzella, Acuna, Rulli, Palacios, Correa, Almada, Gomez, Rodriguez, Dybala, Lisandro Martinez, Lautaro Martinez.

France: Lloris, Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud.
Subs: Pavard, Disasi, Guendouzi, Muani, Fofana, Veretout, Mandanda, Saliba, Coman, Areola, Konate, Camavinga, Thuram.

Javier Pastore, Novak Djokovic, Nasser Al Khelaifi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Paul Pogba have also made it to Lusail as the players make their way out of the tunnel.

'Argentine fans outnumbered the French supporters by around 90 per cent in the 89,000-seater Lusail Stadium.

'France’s team emerged from their team bus quietly while Argentine’s players including talisman Lionel Messi sang and danced around their bus, much to the bemusement of their Sikh driver whose turban was the same colour as the South Americans light blue.

'Messi was last off the bus and first onto the pitch for the warm up and received the loudest reception while Kylian Mbappe was cheered loudly by the French supporters massed behind a goal.

'The World Cup final is the 64th match of the tournament for which around £180 billion has been spent on to stage by Qatar.

'Tickets were being sold on the black market for up to £5,000 a few hours before kick-off.'

Pablo Zabaleta: 'You can see what he means to the players, he is like a father. It makes a huge difference for a football team when you have a leader that everyone will follow.'

Alan Shearer spoke highly of Deschamps' man management before saying: 'The best bit of man management for me was with Terry Venables leading into Euro 96. He took me aside and said regardless of what happens in the next two friendly games, you will be my centre forward. It gave me huge confidence.

Both speaking on the BBC

'Huge roars from the crowd inside the Lusail Stadium as Lionel Messi's face appears on the four big screens at each corner of the arena as the team are announced.

'There are going to be other great players on the pitch here in this final but this match is about Messi. He has been the greatest player in the world for most of the last two decades and this represents his last chance to win football's biggest prize.

'Narratives don't get much more simple or compelling than that.'

Not going to lie, I had to double take at the Antoine Griezmann picture - I thought he was doing an incredible jumping splits.

If France win today, they will become the first team to defend the trophy since Brazil in 1962 (below) when even without the injured Pele for much of the competition they still triumphed in Chile. Football was played in black and white in those days of course...

'Now we have got a Closing Ceremony. Confession. I have no time for Opening or Closing ceremonies unless they happen at the Olympic Games.

'Most of the time, they feel like half-hearted, absurd affectations. But maybe, I'm out of step.

'Judging by the outrage that greeted the BBC debating the issues around this World Cup rather than screening the Opening Ceremony in its entirety, I imagine everyone will be gripped by every single second of this finale.'

It's the team we reported from earlier but Marcos Acuna has had to pull out meaning Nicolas Tagliafico keeps his place.

Angel di Maria though returns for the first time since the group stage and displaces Leandro Paredes in the side.

Oliver is of course referring to how BBC opted against screening the opening ceremony.

For the record, they are not - at least not as I type. ITV though are...

'It turns out that World Cup Final day, December 18, is also Qatar National Day. It has been designated Qatar National Day since before Qatar won the right to stage the tournament so what a hugely fortuitous co-incidence that it should coincide with the most momentous event in Qatar's relatively short history.

'Either that or the organisers were planning for a winter World Cup all along. It all fits with one of the themes of this World Cup. Nothing is quite as it seems.'

Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot had been low with a virus but all three start along with Olivier Giroud who was also a doubt today.

Ibrahima Konate and Youssouf Fofana drop out the side as Rabiot and Upamecano return.

We've already through their other two meetings at this tournament, but their most recent was only four years ago, with France running out 4-2 winners in the last-16 clash in Russia. 

A see-saw game resulted in France taking the lead with an Antoine Griezmann penalty only for Angel Di Maria and Gabriel Mercado to score for Argentina either side of half-time.
France though hit a three-goal blitz in 11 minutes starting with Benjamin Pavard before the hour mark before Kylian Mbappe found the net twice.

Sergio Aguero hit a consolation goal in the last minute but it wasn't enough to prevent Jorge Sampaoli's side being dumped out.

Argentina have to go back 13 years for their last win over France beating them 2-0 in a Marseille friendly thanks to goals from Jonas Gutierrez and Lionel Messi.

France don't have a great record over Argentina - winning just three of their 12 overall meetings, Argentina taking six of them.

Speaking of Messi, big cheers from inside the stadium from the Argentina fans as they see the forward on the big screens arriving on the team bus.

Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna, Di Maria, De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez.

As you may have gathered by now, England are not very popular due a conflict from 40 years ago.

But then again France have hardly had the greatest relationships historically with England too. Basically if you are an English fan watching the final, it may not be easy to pick a team to support today!

But he may also be one of the unlucky supporters stuck in traffic...

If only we knew there would be a World Cup final today?...

Anywyay, the roads are struggling too. Taxi drivers dropping fans 50 minutes from the Lusail Stadium to avoid gridlock.

All Doha Metro stations and roads around the stadium are currently experiencing high demand. Access to the stations is delayed and lengthy waiting times should be expected.

And I thought London's Central Line had hit new lows...

Meanwhile on the Qatar trains, chaos the latest from the Supreme Committee is that security staff are ‘pausing’ people at the entrances and then letting them into key Metro stations to regulate the flow into the system.

Not too sure on the data used for this, but it's as close too quantitative data as we can get I guess to try and predict a winner.

Lloris, Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T.Hernandez, Griezmann, Tchouameni, Rabiot, O.Dembele, Mbappe, Giroud.

Looks like Giroud and Varane have overcome potential fitness issues to start.

KATE HIND: Little did Antonela Roccuzzo know that when she met a young boy who dreamed of being of being a footballer when she was just five, that she would be cheering on the best player on the planet in today's World Cup final. 

Read more below

Stitched onto his left boot are the names of his third son Ciro as well as his wife's name Anto(nela).

I assume the names of his other two children Thiago and Mateo are on the other boot?

Yes, just the three - despite this story going back to the very start of the competition. The first came in the first edition in 1930, with Argentina winning a group stage clash 1-0, the second didn't happen for another 48 years when they met during the finals hosted by the South American side. Nothing had changed though, with Argentina winning this group stage match too, triumphing 2-1 (below).

Captain Daniel Passarella opened the scoring with a penalty in Buenos Aires on half-time before Michel Platini equalised on the hour, only for Leopoldo Luque to give Argentina the lead again in the 73rd minute.

CHARLOTTE DALY: France have secured a place in the World Cup final without Pogba - who was ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury after recovering from his knee surgery. 

Read more here

Sunday at the Lusail Stadium in the northern suburbs of Doha, where the city starts to think about giving way to the desert, a great odyssey, a quest which will define the sporting element of this most controversial of World Cups, will draw to a close when Lionel Messi, the world's greatest footballer for much of the last two decades, tries to win the one prize that has eluded him.

On the Msheireb station in Doha, some bright spark has decided to change the routeway system including the escalators ahead of the World Cup final and it's causing manic problems right now.

Let's hope this is sorted out sooner rather than later...

Big smiles as usual from Ian Wright and Gary Neville... and I guess that's about as close we will get to one from Roy Keane!

Sportsmail's Max Mathews lays out his joint France-Argentina team ahead of this weekend's tournament showpiece. 

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Lots to go at here. Let's start by saying this is already wrong as Messi is now 35 years old.

But is this such a big prediction even if it was from seven years ago? By then we knew this would be a winter World Cup and it's not a total surprise to see Argentina in a final is it?

I'll throw this one out there for you to chew over.

Can never be too careful I guess - thankfully though we haven't seen much use of them during these finals.

They've played together since they were kids, and today they could all land a mutual dream together despite having gone their separate ways in their professional careers.

Karim Benzema emerged as a shock contender to return from injury for the World Cup final this week having missed the entire tournament.

But if you hoped to see him in the final at some point today, well, you've probably got more chance of seeing England there...

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A group of gibbons in Zagreb zoo have been predicting results all tournament but in what looks like being a very tight final to call, it appears even they are split on who will win in Lusail.

Paul the Octopus wouldn't have stood for this 'sitting on the fence' nonsense.

Is this too petty or just a laugh? A Paris metro station has reportedly changed its name from Argentina to France just for the World Cup final.

Not too sure if it is really necessary myself. I mean it does little for less regular users of the service who may not even be aware or care for the World Cup final and just leave them potentially confused, but then maybe I'm just flexing too much for the fun police.

I'd say on balance the big narrative today is on if Lionel Messi can finally win the World Cup and follow past great forwards for the country to have done just that including Diego Maradona and Mario Kempes.

The latter has recently spoken to the Mail on Sunday's Rob Draper and warns Argentina that unless they win they will quickly become forgotten.

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Putting aside all the politics that have hung over this tournament, judging this edition of the World Cup on its sporting merits it's been a cracker hasn't it?

I won't go as far as saying 'the best of all time' but I've certainly seen worse (cough, cough, South Africa 2010).

Here's a snapshot of the knock-out stages that show France and Argentina's route to the final after topping their respective groups.

Only one can prevail as one of the greatest players of all time looks to win the World Cup with his likely final chance, while France look to create history by becoming the first team to defend their status as world champions for the first time since 1962.

Either way it's going to be a seismic day in the football calendar as I welcome you to our live coverage of the World Cup final.