France's Mbappe secures Golden Boot even as French see World Cup glory slip away

France forward Kylian Mbappe put in a performance for the ages in the World Cup final against Argentina, but it proved bitter-sweet as he left the game heartbroken, a hat-trick not enough to avoid defeat against Argentina who prevailed in a shootout.

Mbappe became the second player to score three times in a World Cup final as he dragged his team back from the brink of defeat twice, first with two goals late in the second half.

Having been shut down by Argentina's defence for the majority of the contest, he exploded into life in the 80th minute, scoring two goals 97 seconds apart before grabbing another equaliser with a penalty in extra time to make it 3-3.

He also converted France's first penalty in the shootout, only to see keeper Emiliano Martinez save Kingsley Coman's shot and Aurelien Tchouameni fire wide. That gave Argentina a 4-2 shootout win and their first world title since 1986.

England's Geoff Hurst was the first player to score three goals in a final when they beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time in 1966 and he was glad to see another player finally join him on the list.

"Many congratulations to Mbappe, whatever happens. I've had a great run," Hurst tweeted as the game unfolded.

Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball for the best player at this year's World Cup after leading Argentina to victory in the final against France.

Messi scored twice in the final in Doha, taking his tally of goals at the tournament to seven, and also scored in the shoot-out as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time.

GOLDEN BOOT

Sunday's three goals helped Mbappe pip Lionel Messi to the World Cup Golden Boot, top goalscorer with eight goals in seven matches - the most any player has scored in a World Cup since Brazil phenomenon Ronaldo also scored eight in 2002.

However, Mbappe was well short of compatriot Just Fontaine who holds the record with 13 goals in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

But despite his young age, Mbappe is only four goals away from German striker Miroslav Klose's record haul of 16.

Just two days shy of turning 24, Mbappe has already played in two World Cup finals and looks destined to lead a young and bright generation of French players for many years to come.

But at Qatar's Lusail Stadium, the night belonged to his Paris St Germain team mate Lionel Messi, whose heart Mbappe helped to break four years ago in Russia when France knocked out Argentina 4-3 to win in another epic match in the last 16.

• Messi becomes first player to score in every round at a World Cup