World Cup 2022 LIVE: Messi leads Argentina to victory in epic final, Southgate STAYING as England boss – latest updates

Messi in near-miss shocker

World Cup-winning captain Lionel Messi came close to being knocked off the back of an open top bus moments after returning to Argentina.

Messi and team-mates ducked under an overhead power cable with seconds to spare as they headed to the Argentine Football Association’s training ground.

Leandro Paredes was perched on the edge of the top deck of the bus but managed to keep his balance despite having to squirm away as it was almost on top of him.

He ducked down just in time but lost his baseball cap when the cable hit the top of his head and knocked it off.

SEE THE VIDEO HERE

Benzema set for Zidane U-turn

Karim Benzema could come out of international retirement for France.

That's only if Zinedine Zidane replaces Didier Deschamps.

Benzema quit the international scene just one day after France's World Cup final defeat to Argentina, with reports claiming he was unhappy not have been included in the squad despite carrying an injury.

But Foot Mercato claims the Real Madrid man will make himself available should Zidane, as expected, replace Deschamps at the helm.

From SunSport reporter Tom Barclay

Brighton face a big challenge getting Alexis Mac Allister to come down from his World Cup-winning high and return to domestic action, according to chief exec Paul Barber.

Barber told BBC Radio 4: “I think it would be pretty mean of us as a club not to allow him to go back to his country to celebrate with his family and friends.

“It’s actually his birthday as well on Christmas Eve. It’s going to be hard to get back to domestic action. 

“We felt with his success, his birthday, with Christmas, he can settle down to a turkey, or more likely a beef lunch, with his family and then perhaps get focused back on domestic action.

“But it will be an adjustment for sure.”

Tops off for Argentina fan

The Argentina fan who risked jail by getting her kit off at the World Cup final has broken her silence by posting more topless videos.

It appeared Noe - who has named herself "The Topless Girl" on social media - and her friend escaped punishment in Qatar.

Noe shared more topless clips from Sunday's celebrations.

And she even appeared to post a picture of her boarding a plane out of the country.

SEE MORE OF TOPLESS FAN HERE

Messi gets top BBC prize

Lionel Messi has been named BBC Sports Personality's World Sport Star of the Year.

The Argentina captain scored twice on Sunday as he finally got his hands on the World Cup trophy.

The prize is awarded by a panel to the athlete who has "achieved the most notable sporting success" on the globe during that calendar year.

The 2021 winner was Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore.

Martinez shares brilliant throwback snap

Argentina World Cup hero Emiliano Martinez has posted an incredible throwback photo as a kid from his Independiente days.

The Aston Villa man looks unrecognisable as a youngster.

And he’d never have known the huge role he was set to play in his country’s World Cup triumph in 2022.

SEE MARTINEZ’S PHOTO HERE

Party declared to celebrate win

Argentina has declared a national holiday on Tuesday to celebrate Lionel Messi and Co's stunning World Cup triumph over France.

Argentina’s heroes returned to Buenos Aires this morning.

And it has been announced there will be a national holiday to toast the triumph.

The celebrations are expected to start at around 3pm UK time.

World Cup transfers - Best XI

The World Cup has thrown up some exciting new stars.

And some could be heading to the Premier League in big-money moves this winter.

The likes of Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with some of these big names...

Good morning World Cup fans

Argentina's World Cup winners are waking up with sore heads after persistent partying.

And France's losing finalists raised their arms but barely a smile as they acknowledged a heroes' welcome back from thousands of fans outside their Paris hotel.

Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick couldn't prevent Argentina's victory but did help him beat Lionel Messi to he highest individual rating for the tournament from France's L'Equipe. 

Messi, meanwhile, restated his desire at the age of 35 to continue playing international football following his two-goal masterclass in the final.

And PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi confirmed he will start talking to the legend about a contract extension.

Bukayo Saka was the only Englishmen to make the best World Cup XI.

Lastly, Argentina's triumph robbed France of successive World Cup crowns but has so far sparked little transfer interest.

Instead, French replacement striker Marcus Thuram is the finalist at the centre of most of the speculation.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are being linked with the Borussia Moenchengladbach ace, 25.

Cheeky Schweinstiger

Former Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger left presenter Esther Sedlaczek flustered with a flirty comment at the end of the World Cup final.

The 38-year-old offered his expertise to German TV channel ARD during the tournament.

Sedlaczek said: “Basti, we’ve come to the end of it. That’s it for us. It was a lot of fun with you. Thank for that.”

The ex-Manchester United man then joked: “Thank you Esther, it was a lot of fun. Now we’re going on vacation together for two weeks, right?”

A surprised Sedlaczek initially responded “Yes, of course” before quickly correcting herself and saying: “No, no, no. Of course we don’t!”

She then pointed out: “Have fun with your family. And you have the last words in the studio.”

Schweinsteiger is married to retired Serbian tennis star and ex-world No1 Ana Ivanovic.

Varane barrier beaten

Man Utd will be relieved to hear that Raphael Varane supposedly went off in the World Cup final with fatigue not injury.

The centre-back was replaced by Ibrahima Konate in the 113rd minute as he hobbled off “empty” and “drained”.

Varane had been nursing an ankle issue, but he is expected to be back fit for Man Utd.

Dus could settle at Old Trafford

Ghana attacker Mohammed Kudus is on Manchester United's radar, according to The Athletic.

The Ajax star, 22, scored twice in a World Cup 3-2 group win against South Korea.

He was previously coached by United boss Erik ten Hag at the Dutch giants.

Kudus has been linked with Liverpool and other top sides in the past.

PSG to open Messi talks

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has confirmed he will start talking to Lionel Messi about a contract extension.

The 35-year-old superstar helped guide Argentina to their third World Cup trophy on Sunday night.

The thrilling final ended with a penalty shootout victory over France, following a 3-3 draw.

And as Messi and his team-mates jet back to Buenos Aires with the trophy, his club chief has announced some more good news.

PSG big boss Al-Khelafi was asked if he would tie down both the ex-Barcelona forward and final loser Kylian Mbappe.

He told RMC Sport: "Keep Mbappe and Messi? Of course, one is the top scorer and the other is best player in the World Cup. "

Messi's contract expires at the end of this season.

He will go back to the Ligue 1 champions after a short Christmas break.

Goodbye from Qatar

That's it for this Qatar 2022 blog - we hope you have enjoyed our extensive coverage!

Despite the pre-tournament skepticism, the matches have been simply incredible and we have enjoyed bringing you insights into the big talking points since it got underway last month.

Of course we all wanted Gareth Southgate's boys to finally end England's 56-year wait to be world champions again.

But France's eight-goal Golden Boot winning superstar Kylian Mpbappe and his France team-mates just sneaked past us in the last eight and they more than played their part in yesterday's epic final.

And in the end is was the Messi ending most football romantics wanted.

To see Lionel Messi winning win the game's greatest prize, emulate fellow Argie legend Diego Maradona, and underline the belief he is indeed the greatest player of all time, was the perfect conclusion.

Still, football is a funny old game and - despite their new global king status - the South American powerhouses are not unbeatable.

Just ask Saudi Arabia!

Anyway, you can still keep up to date with the fall-out from yesterday in our World Cup final blog but for now, from here, it is adios.

Living my life like its golden

Argentinian goalkeeper Emi Martinez secured the golden glove after his penalty shoot-out heroics in the final.

However, his accolade was overshadowed by the x-rated celebration in front of the world to see.

Drake curse broken with a twist

The Drake curse has finally been broken after Argentina pulled off a thrilling World Cup final win over France... or was it?

Hip hop artist Drake is often known for losing whenever he puts a bet on specific sports teams to win.

But this time, he broke his duck by picking Messi to lead Argentina to victory in the final.

However, the Canadian rapper was still left with a heavy $1million bill as he'd put a seven-figure bet on victory over France to come in NINETY minutes.

Good morning footie fans

Kylian Mbappe was inconsolable on the France bench as he watched Lionel Messi lift the World Cup trophy.

The French superstar became the first player since Sir Geoff Hurst to score a hat-trick in the biggest game in football with a stunning treble against Argentina.

He then netted his penalty in a dramatic shootout – only to see rival keeper Emiliano Martinez save twice to condemn the reining champions to defeat after a 3-3 draw.

Mbappe, 23, went into the showpiece in Qatar level with Paris Saint-Germain, and Argentina talisman, Lionel Messi, on five goals in the tournament.

Messi himself had netted twice in the breathtaking final – making it seven goals a piece – when Mbappe was presented an opportunity to level things up in the 118th minute.

And he held his nerve under the highest of pressure to clinch the Golden Boot, and keep his nation’s dreams alive.

Mbappe's hat-trick denied Argentina top spot in the Fifa rankings – despite their World Cup final shoot-out joy.

Mbappe’s late second penalty earned France a 3-3 draw after extra time – enough to keep Brazil at No1 in the list.

That won’t be any consolation to the history-making striker as Lionel Messi inspired Argentina’s ultimate triumph in one of the greatest ever finals, clinched 4-2 on penalties.

And for now it won’t mean much either to Brazil, who are still smarting from their shock quarter-final shoot-out loss to Croatia.

Meanwhile, England remain in fifth spot following their agonising last-eight exit to the French and Wales drop out of the top 20.

Qatar kings Argentina moved up to second in the rankings, with France rising to third and Belgium’s ageing golden generation dropping two places to fourth following their surprise exit at the group stage.

Fans all said the same thing as Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacted to Lionel Messi winning the World Cup.

The Swedish giant, 41, was in the stands of the Lusail Stadium as Argentina eventually beat France in a truly epic final.

Argentina led 2-0 and 3-2 before Messi at long last got his hands on the World Cup trophy after Gonzalo Montiel slotted the winning penalty into the back of the net.

But as Messi fell to his knees in joyful celebration, one man looked rather unimpressed.

Ibrahimovic remained stoney-faced with his wife Helena Seger.

That is despite his former team-mate finally getting his hands on the one trophy that eluded him.

England will get a trophy from the World Cup in Qatar, even if is not the big one they wanted.

The Three Lions have been awarded the Fair Play Trophy as they had the best disciplinary record during the tournament.

Gareth Southgate’s side only picked up one booking as they battled to the quarter-finals before their defeat to France.

That booking went to defender Harry Maguire, who was cautioned after an elbow to Antonie Griezmann in the 90th minute of the game.

Some fans on social media saw the funny side of the award, as one tweeted: “It came home after all”.

Karim Benzema has reportedly cut off all contact with the French national team.

The striker has furiously claimed that he was forced out of the squad after picking up an injury before the start of the tournament.

He even rejected the chance to fly out to Qatar to watch his teammates in the World Cup final against Argentina.

L’Equipe is now reporting that the Real Madrid star has subsequently cut off all contact with the France staff.

And according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, he is unlikely to play for France again with Deschamps as manager.

Inside Argentina’s celebrations

Argentina wildly celebrated their World Cup victory in the dressing room after the match.

In footage recorded by Argentine legend Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi and Co could be seen getting the party started immediately after leaving the pitch.

Aguero, 34, was forced to retire with health issues last year – but was invited back into the Argentina camp this week and made to still feel part of the victory.

The former Manchester City star even donned a full kit to get into the spirit of things, and his Instagram Live footage documented Argentina’s brilliant celebrations.

His video began with a moment that will warm City fans’ hearts – as he chatted with current Etihad hero Julian Alvarez.

Aguero then started swigging from a bottle, as the squad danced and sang to Latin music.

After the ex-striker had a chat with Angel Di Maria, he then captured another star on camera sensationally somersaulting into a bin.

Much more singing and dancing was to follow, with tournament sponsors Budweiser leaving plenty of bottles of beer out for the squad.

Messi then sensationally returned to the dressing room clutching the World Cup itself, clambering up on to the table and jumping up and down on it.

Boss Lionel Scaloni then arrived donning a retro Argentina shirt, and was promptly drenched by his players.

Argentina’s sing-song continued as Aguero was gleefully dragged into a Conga.

A $10million dollar check was brought in by an official and held by Messi, who then danced with the huge prize.

Aguero then recorded Messi scrolling through his phone, without his old pal realising.

Stars also sang and danced as they went through the mixed zone after the match.

Argentina denied top spot

Kylian Mbappe hat-trick denied Argentina top spot in the Fifa rankings - despite their World Cup final shoot-out joy.

Mbappe's late second penalty earned France a 3-3 draw after extra time - enough to keep Brazil at No1 in the list.

That won't be any consolation to the history-making striker as Lionel Messi inspired Argentina's ultimate triumph in one of the greatest ever finals, clinched 4-2 on penalties.

And for now it won't mean much either to Brazil, who are still smarting from their shock quarter-final shoot-out loss to Croatia.

Meanwhile, England remain in fifth spot following their agonising last-eight exit to the French and Wales drop out of the top 20.

Qatar kings Argentina moved up to second in the rankings, with France rising to third and Belgium's ageing golden generation dropping two places to fourth following their surprise exit at the group stage.

Messi replicates Maradona

Lionel Messi replicated Diego Maradona’s pose from 1986 as Argentina finally lifted the World Cup again after a 36-year wait.

Messi drove his country on throughout the tournament and was instrumental in the dramatic final win over France.

The victory sparked mass celebrations in which Messi was lifted above the rest of his team-mates while holding the trophy in the air.

Maradona, who was the star of the World Cup in Mexixo 36 years ago, also held the trophy aloft with the rest of the squad around him when he got his hands on the trophy.

Messi scored seven goals and assisted a further three on La Albiceleste’s way to glory in Qatar.

Maradona was just as influential during Mexico ’86, getting five goals and five assists.

Messi retirement u-turn

World Cup winner Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not be retiring from international football.

There had been suggestions that the 35-year-old would retire from international football after the final, but he has shot those rumours down.

He told TyC Sports after the game: “I am not retiring from the Argentina national team.

“I want to continue playing as a champion”.

Dodgy goal

Lionel Messi's second goal in the World Cup final should NOT have stood, eagle eyed fans claim.

The Argentine superstar bagged twice on the way to his side winning the trophy he coveted most in a thriller against France.

Messi, 35, put his side back in front in the 108th minute, however, netting the rebound after Hugo Lloris saved Lautaro Martinez's shot.

It initially appeared that the effort might be ruled out for offside, when the linesman momentarily raised his flag.

But when TV pictures confirmed Martinez had in fact been onside in the build-up, the goal, which was nearly cleared off the line by defender Dayot Upamecano, was allowed to stand.

Watching a wide angle of the goal back, however, some fans believe that it should have been chalked off.

In a snap posted to Twitter, two Argentina substitutes could be seen on the pitch as Messi took the shot.

Their hasty celebrations meant that their side had 13 players on the field.

Ibrahimovic unimpressed

Fans all said the same thing as Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacted to Lionel Messi winning the World Cup.

The Swedish giant, 41, was in the stands of the Lusail Stadium as Argentina eventually beat France in a truly epic final.

Argentina led 2-0 and 3-2 before Messi at long last got his hands on the World Cup trophy after Gonzalo Montiel slotted the winning penalty into the back of the net.

But as Messi fell to his knees in joyful celebration, one man looked rather unimpressed.

Ibrahimovic remained stoney-faced with his wife Helena Seger.

That is despite his former team-mate finally getting his hands on the one trophy that eluded him.

Martinez’s x-rated act

Emiliano Martinez has divided opinion with his X-rated celebration after winning the Golden Glove.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper put in an outstanding performance in the World Cup final as Argentina beat France 3-3 (4-2 on penalties).

He was awarded the individual accolade for being the best goalkeeper in the tournament and when he was handed the trophy, Martinez reacted in an unique way.

The 30-year-old shook hands with Fifa representatives, including Gianni Infantino, before holding the gold award in front of his private area while leaning back and pulling an odd face.

Martinez shocked fans worldwide, one Tweeted: “Never had Martinez using the Golden Glove trophy as a sex toy on my World Cup final bingo card.”

A second commented: “What on Earth was he thinking?”

Messi's a traditionalist

Lionel Messi wore a traditional Arab robe as he lifted the World Cup trophy this evening.

The Argentine superstar finally got his hands on the cup he coveted most after a thrilling match against previous world champions France.

After a stunning 3-3 draw, Argentina prevailed 4-2 on penalties following Emi Martinez's theatrics.

A lengthy ceremony followed, with Messi being awarded the Golden Ball award for best player of the tournament.

Following medal hand-outs for both teams, the 35-year-old finally had an opportunity to lift the trophy.

Just before he did so, he was gifted a traditional Arab robe by the Emir of Qatar while standing next to Fifa president Gianni Infantino.