Argentina declares a national holiday today to celebrate Lionel Messi and company’s stunning World Cup triumph over France

ARGENTINA declared Tuesday a national holiday to celebrate Lionel Messi and Co.’s overwhelming World Cup triumph over France.

The South American champions won their third World Cup and first since 1986 on penalties after the game ended 3-3 after 120 minutes.

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Right-back Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive penalty and won the thrilling penalty shoot-out 4-2.

And with Argentina’s heroes returning to Buenos Aires in the early hours of Tuesday morning, it has been announced that it will be a national holiday to celebrate the World Cup triumph.

Captain Messi left the plane with the World Cup in hand.

While manager Lionel Scaloni waved a little.

Celebrations in the Argentine capital begin at 3pm UK time.

Messi is looking forward to seeing his fans line the streets for a party to last.

He said: “I want to be in Argentina to see how crazy it is.

“I want them to wait for me, I can’t wait to go there and enjoy it with them.”

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Messi is also not ready to retire from international football just yet.

The two-goal finals hero said: “Of course I wanted to end my career with that, (I) can’t ask for more.

“Ending my career like this is impressive. What next?

“I have a Copa America, a World Cup. Almost at the end.

“I love football, what I do.

“I enjoy being part of the national team, the group.

“I want to enjoy a few more games as a world champion.”