Argentina parties through the night: More than a MILLION elated fans pack the streets of Buenos Aires as incredible World Cup win triggers wild night of celebrations across the country

• Argentina won their first World Cup since 1986 after beating France in a nail-biting final in Qatar yesterday
• Star player Lionel Messi, 35, scored in the first half and again in extra time, leading the teams to draw 3-3
• Millions of fans packed the streets of Buenos Aires crying and kissing after they won 4-2 on penalties 

More than a million Argentines packed the streets of Buenos Aires as their incredible World Cup victory triggered a wild night of celebrations across the country.  

Fans were ecstatic after a nail-biting victory on penalties in the World Cup final over France made the South Americans world champions for the first time since 1986.

In a tense and rollercoaster match played in Qatar in front of some 88,000 fans, Argentina, led by star Lionel Messi, took home its third World Cup after beating France, the defending champions, 4-2 on penalties after drawing 3-3 after extra time.

‘I can’t believe it! It was difficult, but we did it, thanks to Messi,’ said Santiago, 13, celebrating the victory with his family in front of the Buenos Aires house that had belonged to late soccer icon Diego Maradona, who led the team in 1986.

More than a million Argentines packed the streets of Buenos Aires as their incredible World Cup victory triggered a wild night of celebrations across the country

Fans were ecstatic after a nail-biting victory on penalties in the World Cup final over France made the South Americans world champions for the first time since 1986

An aerial view of the Obelisk in the Plaza de la República shows the sheer scale of the millions of fans who took to the streets

Pictures show the celebrating fans kissing, crying, and climbing the Obelisk and street lights in the aftermath of the yesterday’s dramatic match

A couple kissed as other football fans pile up to celebrate the World Cup victory last night on the streets of Buenos Aires

Fans couldn’t contain their emotion after the victory. The rise of the team has spurred avid support in Argentina, which is plagued by high inflation and an economic crisis that has pushed some 40% of the population into poverty

Bearing flags, hats and the country’s iconic blue-and-white jerseys, millions of Argentines took over Buenos Aires’ downtown and other iconic spots within minutes after the win. 

Pictures show the celebrating fans kissing, crying, and climbing the Obelisk and street lights in the aftermath of the yesterday’s dramatic match. 

One clip shows a fan waving the country’s flag from the top of the Obelisk in the Plaza de la República in the city’s centre. The camera then zooms out, revealing the millions of supporters flooding the streets below. 

Across the country, other celebrations broke out.

The South American team, which lost the final of the tournament against Germany in 2014, had not won a World Cup since 1986. But the rise of the team has spurred avid support in Argentina, which is plagued by high inflation and an economic crisis that has pushed some 40% of the population into poverty.

The country won its first title in 1978, but lost finals in 1930, 1990 and 2014. 

At the end of the first half, many were gearing up to celebrate as Argentina led 2-0 and clearly dominated the match.

But that early happiness turned to anxiety as France caught up, ultimately leaving the score at 3-3 before penalties.

Nerves were running high as the two teams took to penalty kicks after extra time. Messi easily scored for Argentina, followed by a goal from France’s Kylian Mbappe. Two more goals from Argentina and two unsuccessful shots from France meant the next goal would finish the game. 

Argentina then cemented their victory, scoring 4-2 in penalties. For many, the agonising feelings of the match made the victory all the sweeter.

‘When you suffer over something so much, the satisfaction is greater,’ Fabio Villani, a 45-year-old video editor said, noting he still couldn’t quite believe Argentina had won a World Cup title.

‘Suffering is something that is very Argentine,’ said Maria Isabel Ayala, a 53-year-old hairdresser. ‘If we suffer, it’s because we truly feel it in our hearts.’ 

Fans let off fireworks in the Plaza de la República after the final match of the World Cup was played in Qatar yesterday

Pictures show the celebrating fans kissing, crying, and climbing the Obelisk and street lights in the aftermath of the yesterday’s dramatic match

Huge crowds surrounded the Obelisco monument in the centre of Buenos Aires, like they had done after the semi-final win over Croatia

The tense match, which was drawn 3-3 after extra time and eventually won 4-2 on penalties, has made the victory even sweeter for fans

Some Argentines hung their heads, others prayed, before the final penalty kick from Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel caused the ball to sail neatly into the net.

Shouting, jumping and spraying their drinks into the air, incredulous Argentines erupted in cheers as the team clinched the win. Some, hugging friends and family, were even brought to tears.

‘Dibu (Martinez), Messi, the whole team, I love them,’ said Jonathan Heredia, his voice hoarse from cheering. ‘I feel like they made me cry, I wanted this more than anything.’

Huge crowds surrounded the Obelisco monument in the centre of Buenos Aires, like they had done after the semi-final win over Croatia. Other fans leaned out the side of cars waving flags and jerseys as they rode through the streets.

Messi, 35, scored in the first half and then again in extra time, while Angel Di Maria scored the other for Argentina. Mbappe, 23, scored all three French goals before the shootout.

The final win cements Messi’s status as a legend among Argentines, with Sunday’s match expected to be his last appearance in a World Cup for his country.

‘Holding Leo Messi by the hand, we’re going to go all the way,’ the crowd chanted as euphoria took over. 

Many fans were quick to remember Argentina great Diego Maradona, who died two years ago, saying he had something to do with today’s victory.

‘Diego sees everything from heaven, he wouldn’t have wanted Argentina to lose. The first cup without him and we won! Diego is always here, he’s eternal,’ said Javier López, 18, whose voice broke as he spoke of Maradona, who led the national team to what had been its last World Cup title in 1986.

‘Diego is certainly smiling now,’ Brazil soccer legend Pelé wrote on social media as he congratulated Argentina for the victory.

In Rosario, Messi’s hometown, a sea of people went out into the streets to celebrate that their local hero had finally won a World Cup title.

President Alberto Fernández joined in on the celebrations and thanked the national team for the victory.

‘Thank you to the players and the technical team. They’re an example that we must never give up. That we have great people and a great future,’ Fernández wrote on social media.

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