Lionel Messi 's Argentina came out on top in one of the greatest ever World Cup finals.
The legendary No.10 scored twice in a rollercoaster of a match which France showed immense resilience to take all the way to penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw. The hero of the shootout was Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who spectacularly saved two spot kicks from Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchoumeni.
Kylian Mbappe went home a loser despite scoring a hat-trick, with two of his goals coming from the penalty spot and the other a cracking strike to complete France's first comeback in normal time. Ultimately, though, Paris Saint-Germain teammate Messi was named a world champion, just as Diego Maradona was in 1986.
Here's how Mirror Football rated the players.
Argentina
Martinez 8
What a hero. He is sensational in shoot-outs. Did it again. Fabulous saves.
Molina 7
Began the wonderful move for Argentina’s second goal. Good throughout.
Otamendi 6
Man City fans will remember his reckless moments… let France back in.
Romero 7
Strong, physical and intimidating. He was solid in Argentina’s defence.
Tagliafico 7
Another impressively tenacious performance and no wonder he kept his place.
De Paul 7
Was so effective. Tearing around the pitch, made himself a real menace.
Fernandez 8
Booked. Had a super game. Won tackles, made challenges and was everywhere.
Mac Allister 8
Assist on the second goal. Was so industrious. Had such a terrific tournament.
Di Maria 8
He was so important for Argentina. Won penalty, scored. Mistake to take him off.
Alvarez 7
Worked so hard, more than played his part with his clever link play. Good.
Messi 10
Scored twice, again in the shoot-out and led his nation to glory. Incredible.
Substitutes
Acuna 7, Montiel 7, Martinez N/A, Paredes N/A, Pezzella N/A, Dybala N/A
Have your say! Who deserved to win MOTM? Give us your verdict in the comments section.
France
Lloris 7
Could not deny Messi as he was denied the chance of World Cup history.
Kounde 5
Whenever he wakes in the night, it will be Di Maria giving him nightmares.
Varane 6
Looked under the weather for long periods having had a virus this week.
Upamecano 7
Conceded possession on Argentina’s second goal but made heroic block in extra time.
Hernandez 5
Made a lot of people’s teams of the tournament. But not on this evidence.
Tchouameni 6
Left chasing shadows for long periods and then missed in the shoot-out.
Rabiot 5
Booked. Could not get close to Argentina. Outfought, outmanoeuvred and outwitted.
Griezmann 5
Has had a brilliant tournament, but was substituted early which says everything.
Dembele 4
Such a poor performance. Conceded a penalty, then hooked before half time.
Mbappe 9
Incredible performance. He scored a hat trick and still lost. What a sensation.
Giroud 5
Subbed before half time which says it all. A nightmare final to forget.
Substitutes
Thuram 7, Kolo Muani 7, Camavinga 7, Coman 7, Fofana N/A, Konate N/A, Diasi N/A
Referee
Szymon Marciniak 8
Man of the match: Lionel Messi
Stories do not get any better. An incredible final chapter of the fairytale.
Attendance watch: 88,966
