World Cup final player ratings: Messi wins for Argentina despite Mbappe's French magic

Argentina won the greatest ever World Cup final on penalties on Sunday with Lionel Messi now officially crowned the undisputed greatest footballer of all time. A thrilling final ended 3-3 after extra time before Argentina claimed glory in a shootout. Kylian Mbappe scored his second penalty of 120 minutes to earn a hat-trick and cancel out Messi's second goal of the night. But the South Americans then bounced back and won the penalty shootout 4-2 thanks to misses from Aurélien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman. Express Sport evaluates and rates the performances of the two players after an incredible evening.

Emiliano Martinez - 8

Kolo Muani's final save led the game on penalties and from there he was in his element.

Nahuel Molina - 6

Kept Mbappe a secret for 70 minutes - after that there aren't many people who could live with him.

Christian Romero - 6

Strong in the middle for Argentina, he held the line and was a constant influence as Mbappe went wild.

Nicolas Otamendi - 5

A clumsy late penalty cost a direct victory - the unnecessary arm grab gave Kolo Muani a reason to crash.

Nicholas Tagliafico - 6

With Di Maria providing all the early rounds ahead of him, it was only a supporting role, which he did with great skill.

Rodrigo DePaul - 6

Did what he always does. Didn't take any nonsense, stopped play and made sure Messi had enough ball.

Enzo Fernandez - 6

Playing and faking an injury was an unnecessary aspect of the performance and tarnished the whole Messi narrative.

Alexis Mac Allister - 7

An absolute eye-opener from this tournament, the Brighton man's awareness for his assist on the second goal was spot on.

Lionel Messi - 9

35 years old and still tackling! Simply inspiring as a footballer but more importantly as a leader.

Julien Alvarez - 6

Once again an eager livewire, his run along the back four created space for his colleagues but no direct threat this time.

Angel Di Maria - 6

Missed the semi-finals but came back strong to win the penalty and score Argentina's second goal.

REPLACEMENTS

Marcos Acuna (for Di Maria 64) 5

Gonzalo Montiel (for Molina 90)

Lautaro Martinez (for Alcarez 103)

Leandro Paredes (for De Paul 103)

German Pezzella (for Mac Allister 116)

Paulo Dybala (for Tagliafico 120)

Hugo Lloris - 7

Saved from Messi in added time and extra time, but couldn't stop him from making that final rebound.

Jules Koundé - 6

Too often, Argentina exposed France on their flank, so they weren't really able to advance in their stride.

Raphael Varane - 6

Tried to rally France from the back but lacked his usual level of energy and the conviction was not always there.

Dayot Upamecano - 7

One of those who was sick in the week, but his blocking of Martinez in overtime would have made him feel much better.

Theo Hernandez - 6

Having been one of the players in the tournament so far, he seemed late - perhaps bothered by his sore knee?

Adrien Rabiot - 6

Part of a French midfielder who was completely knocked down by their counterparts for much of the game.

Aurelien Tchouameni - 6

Strong in the challenge as always, but for much of the game he didn't have his teammates to pick up the second ball.

Ousmane Dembele - 5

Poor early control, stupid arm raised behind the back for the penalty then replaced before the break. Stage fright?

Antoine Griezmann - 6

Orchestra of the best French performances, it was simply not allowed to enter the game.

Kylian Mbappé - 9

Pressed his first penalty in front of Martinez then came alive. Second brilliantly successful, the emphatic triple.

Olivier Giroud - 5

Sli...