Photos: Euphoric scenes from Buenos Aires after Argentina's FIFA World Cup win

Ecstatic Argentines let loose and took to the streets of Buenos Aires after an epic World Cup final in which the national team beat France on penalties. It was the country's third World Cup title and the first since 1986. Millions of Argentines cried, yelled, and hugged as they followed the game, which was a roller coaster of emotions. Throughout the evening, many chanted the name of captain Lionel Messi, often considered the world's greatest soccer player who had long talked about how he yearned for a World Cup victory.  ...read more

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Argentina fans celebrate winning the World Cup at the Obelisk on Sunday, December 18, with an image of the captain Lionel Messi. Fireworks cracked, car horns sounded and fans draped in the national blue and white colors sang, danced, and waved flags.  (Agustin Marcarian / REUTERS)

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Soccer fans celebrate Argentina's victory over France in the World Cup final soccer match, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sunday. "This is happiness for everyone, for all these people. Today it was our turn and the joy is ours," hotel receptionist Julio Berdun told AFP at the capital's Plaza de Mayo square. (AP)

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Argentina fans celebrate winning the World Cup at the Obelisk with an image of Lionel Messi and fireworks. Messi and his teammates brought Argentina the most coveted prize in football.(Mariana Nedelcu / REUTERS)

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Soccer fans light a flare celebrating their team's World Cup victory over France in Buenos Aires, on Sunday, December 18. “We're champions, which is all we wanted, more than anything for (Messi) and for the whole team,” Santiago Ferraris, 25, said. (Rodrigo Abd / AP )

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The national squad led by Messi has managed to unite Argentines with a sense of joy that isn't frequent in a country that has been stuck in economic doldrums for years, is suffering one of the world's highest inflation rates and almost four in 10 live in poverty. (Martin Villar / REUTERS)

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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 Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties. For many, the agonizing feelings of the match made the victory all the sweeter. (Matilde Campodonico / AP)

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A giant jersey of the Argentine national soccer team hung on the front of the Colon Theater as fans celebrate their team's World Cup victory over France in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday. (Gustavo Garello / AP )

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At the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, a fan kisses a replica of the World Cup trophy to commemorate Argentina's win over France. (Agustin Marcarian / REUTERS)

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Argentina fans with a Diego Maradona banner celebrate after winning the World Cup by the Obelisco, on Sunday, December 18. Messi finally crowned his record-breaking career with the one trophy that was missing as he produced a performance that will go down in World Cup history. “Holding Leo Messi by the hand, we're going to go all the way,” the crowd chanted as euphoria took over. (Agustin Marcarian / REUTERS)