Crossbar champions! Argentina’s jubilant winners clamber on top of the goals to celebrate

Argentina’s players celebrated wildly on the pitch and provided one of the iconic World Cup pictures after beating France on penalties in the final.

Goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria had given Argentina a 2-0 lead before two Kylian Mbappe goals, barely a minute apart, levelled the game and sent it to extra-time.

With France looking the more likely to grab a winner, Messi struck again. However, with just minutes remaining France won a penalty – which Mbappe duly dispatched, ensuring he became the first player to score a World Cup final hat-trick since Geoff Hurst. 

Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul and Paulo Dybala clambered atop one of the goal frames

Lionel Messi was held aloft with the trophy – echoing the images of Diego Maradona in 1986

However, Argentina and Messi eventually prevailed, adding to the glories of 1978 and 1986 by winning 4-2 on penalties. 

Chaos reigned all around as Argentina’s players set off in different directions after the winning penalty was scored before they all reconvened as they kickstarted what must be the best party of all time on the pitch with friends and family. 

Celebrations were then taken to the privacy of their dressing room, though content was released by various figures present.  

Evoking the spirit of 1986 – not just through the way he has, like Diego Maradona 36 years ago, carried the team at times – Messi was held aloft atop of various individuals’ shoulders and paraded around the pitch as he clutched the prize he craved most. 

The three players led the mass of Argentinian support behind that particular goal in more songs

The three took in the adulation as they sat perched on the goal frame with thousands looking on

Messi being held aloft evoked strong memories of Diego Maradona in exactly the same position 36 years ago

Securing football’s grandest prize on a night packed full of drama in Qatar, Messi matched the achievements of Maradona and in the process ensured his place alongside the late legend in the pantheon of true Argentinian greats. 

While Messi soaked in the adulation from those holding him aloft, three of his team-mates took it upon themselves to clamber on top of one of the goal frames. 

Leandro Parades, Rodrigo De Paul and Paulo Dybala perched on the top of one of the crossbars as they revelled in the atmosphere in front of the packed Argentina end. 

The photograph showed them appearing to lead the chants from atop of the goal frame – though the net had been removed, perhaps as a souvenir for the team to take back to Buenos Aires. De Paul appeared to have part of it draped around his neck. 

Kun Aguero – Lionel Messi’s great friend – held him up aloft as he carried the Argentine legend around

Argentina supporters inside the ground far outnumbered those supporting France, with thousands of Argentinians having travelled to Qatar for the tournament.

They led the raucous chants as the players laughed, danced and played with their children on the pitch while the World Cup circus began to wind down in front of their very eyes. 

Argentina’s full squad are expected to return to the country as soon as possible to enjoy a parade through Buenos Aires. The flight from Qatar to Argentina will take roughly 21 hours.

An open top bus parade was held on the streets of Lusail after the game.