Argentina celebrates World Cup shootout victory

STORY: There were smiles all around for Argentina soccer fans – as they jumped, danced and shouted outside of the Lusail Stadium in Qatar following Argentina’s third World Cup win.

For these supporters, it was an extraordinary final… with Argentina beating France 4-2 on penalties after Lionel Messi scored twice in a 3-3 draw.

“It’s a party, it’s a party. We have football in our blood. And the most important thing is that Messi has the Cup and he will bring it to Argentina.”

After his record 26th World Cup match, 35-year-old Messi claimed the trophy his nation coveted… elevating him alongside Diego Maradona, Argentina's first football god, who carried them to their last World Cup triumph in 1986.

Fireworks burst as Messi lifted the trophy in Sunday’s post-match ceremony.

In Argentina, fans crowded the streets of Buenos Aires – waving a giant flag along with many smaller ones as they rejoiced in the victory.

But it was an entirely different scene in Paris.

Many French soccer fans held their head in their hands after Argentina snatched the penalty shootout victory.

And others, hoping to celebrate on the Champs Elysees avenue, headed home in disappointment.

In Qatar, French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters: "I would like to tell everyone who is listening to us tonight and who are sad, that I share their sadness, but we can be proud of this team.”

France’s Kylian Mbappe became the second man ever to score a World Cup final hat-trick.

But it was Messi’s name to be chanted outside of the stadium, as jubilant supporters relished the World Cup outcome.