Argentina captain Lionel Messi has admitted that he "can't believe" his side's penalty shootout victory over France in the World Cup final this evening.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner scored twice for La Albiceleste, breaking the deadlock from the penalty spot in the first half and netting again in extra time after a Kylian Mbappe-inspired comeback in normal time from France.

Mbappe completed his hat-trick to equalise again and force penalties, but Argentina went on to win the shootout 4-2 following an all-time classic final.

The victory is Argentina's first World Cup triumph since 1986 and the first of Messi's illustrious career, completing his trophy cabinet having already won everything possible at club level.

The 35-year-old has now taken to Instagram to react to the madcap match and vowed to rejoin his Argentina teammates "very soon".

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

"CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!!!!! 🌎🏆

"So many times I dreamed it, so much I wanted it that I still don't fall, I can't believe it......

"Thank you so much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us. We prove once again that Argentinians when we fight together and united we are able to achieve what we aim. The merit is of this group, which is above individuals, is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the one of all Argentinians... We did it!!!

"LET'S GO ARGENTINA DAMN!!!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

"We're seeing you very soon... 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷"

Messi has already ruled out retiring from international duty in the wake of the triumph, despite confirming before the game that this would be his record 26th and last outing at the World Cup.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward now has 98 goals for his country, 13 of which have come at World Cups to leave him joint-fourth on the all-time list.

Seven of those goals came in Qatar, in addition to three assists, as Messi became the first player in history to win the World Cup Golden Ball more than once.

Written by
Barney Corkhill