2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar

Lionel Messi promised he would play on for Argentina to experience "a few more games being world champion" after inspiring their triumph in Qatar.

The World Cup belongs to Messi and Argentina after Sunday's spectacular final that saw Kylian Mbappe hit a hat-trick for France but still end up on the losing side.

A 4-2 victory on penalties after a 3-3 draw gave Argentina their third World Cup success, after lifting the trophy in 1978 and 1986, and means Messi's final appearance on the biggest stage of all ended in a fairy tale manner.

• Theo Hernandez and substitute Randal Kolo Muani score French goals
• Morocco fall just short of becoming first African nation in World Cup final
• Didier Deshamps' team will aim to regain Trophy in Argentina clash

France 2-0 Morocco

Goals: France: Hernandez (5), Kolo Muani (79)

Match review

• Lionel Messi thumped home penalty for Argentina lead
• Julian Alvarez struck either side of half-time to wrap-up comprehensive victory
• South Americans will target third World Cup in final on Sunday

Argentina 3-0 Croatia

Goals: Argentina: Messi (34 pen), Alvarez (39, 69)

Match review

The goalkeeper, brought off the bench by coach Graham Arnold just before the end of extra-time after 120 goalless minutes at Al Rayyan Stadium, dived to his right to repel Alex Valera’s effort and secure the Socceroos’ place in the tournament later this year.

The Sydney FC keeper – whose distinctive style when facing penalties involves dancing along the goalline and waving his arms about, and has earned him the nickname “the grey Wiggle” – replaced captain Mat Ryan in a move that was specifically made to unsettle the Peruvian team.