Argentina fans went crazy with parties in the street as the country celebrated its first World Cup win for 36 years.

Thousands poured into Buenos Aires to watch Argentina take home the trophy after beating France on penalties.

Joyous footage showed euphoric fans leaping into the air and waving flags as Gonzalo Montiel scored the winner in the shoot-out.

Hundreds of fans gathered to watch the match at the former home of the late football star Diego Maradona – and dived into the pool after the final whistle.

From London to America, beers flew into the air and supporters ripped their shirts off in celebration.

After the astonishing game, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said: ‘There could not have been a World Cup that I have dreamed of like this. I was calm during the penalties.’

For Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni it was a nail-biting finish to a turbulent tournament and he could not hold back his tears following the final whistle.

‘I cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game. Unbelievable, but this team responds to everything,’ Scaloni said.

‘I am proud of the work they did. It is an exciting group. With the blows we received today, with the draws, this makes you emotional. I want to tell people to enjoy, it’s a historic moment for our country.’

It was the third world title for Argentina and the first since the late Diego Maradona won the trophy almost single-handedly in 1986.

For Argentina players and captain Messi, who netted twice in the 120 minutes before also scoring in the shoot-out, it was the biggest title of their careers.

Messi’s Argentine team had made the final as recently as 2014 but on that occasion they finished second best to Germany.

‘I’ll never forget it. We had to suffer but we deserved to win,’ Argentina defender Rodrigo De Paul said.

‘We’ve beaten the last champions, it’s a joy I cannot put into words.

‘I’m proud of being born in Argentina and today we are on top of the world.’

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