Argentina win World Cup LIVE REACTION: Wild celebrations as Messi and Co return home – latest

Messi Money

HOW much is Lionel Messi worth? Just under a fiver! Writes SunSport's Tom Barclay

At least, that is how much the 1000-peso note, on which Argentina’s Central Bank is reportedly considering putting the great man’s face, is valued at in pound sterling.

According to El Financiero newspaper, officials at the South American country’s financial governing body are looking at options to mark their nation’s historic World Cup triumph.

Having a snap of Messi’s mug on the grand bill is said to be a preferred option as the figure begins with a "10" - the shirt number worn by the GOAT.

Al have what he's having

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Julian Alvarez after his successful World Cup exploits with Argentina.

The 22-year-old has had to spend much of his time at the Etihad playing second-fiddle to Erling Haaland but came to the fore as Lionel Messi's wingman in Qatar.

Guardiola said: We are incredibly happy for him, congrats to him and [former Man City defender Nicolas] Otamendi and Messi. Argentina as a country well deserved champs, we are delighted, he has played a lot. His contribution was amazing for the team and the way they played.

"We have a world champ, I think he will have a week or 10 days off. [There were] many games [and] a lot of tension. I think he’ll have a break until the days before the New Year."

Want him Mor

Leicester have expressed interest in signing Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi from Angers, according to reports.

Ounahi, 22, played a crucial part in Morocco's sensational World Cup campaign this year.

He helped the Atlas Lions all the way to the semi-finals of the tournament before they were eventually knocked out by France.

According to , Leicester have now made an enquiry.

Following his World Cup success, Ounahi is now eager to leave Angers in search of a new challenge elsewhere in Europe.

He's the Best

Pep Guardiola has hailed his former player and World Cup winner Lionel Messi.

The Manchester City manager used to coach the Argentine legend during their Barcelona days together and he was happy to see him thriving in Qatar.

Ahead of Thursday's cup clash with Liverpool, Guardiola said: "Everyone has an opinion but nobody can doubt he’s there, I’ve said many times, he’s the best – a player who can appear and done what he’s done.

"[Alfredo] Di Stefano, Diego Maradona, people can say their favourites. If he’d not won the WC, what he’d done for world football wouldn’t have changed but if you win, it was the final of an incredible career."

Gak No

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Cody Gakpo after PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted the club were resigned to losing him. 

, 23, has been a 

The  striker starred for Louis van Gaal's  at the World Cup, scoring three goals, while also enjoying a strong season at club level.

And PSV manager and United legend van Nistelrooy said: "If I have the choice, I prefer the summer, but it can also be now, you know there comes a time when you can't say no."

Pav a Bit of That

Benjamin Pavard has been accused of making "inappropriate comments" and slating team-mates DURING the World Cup final defeat to Argentina.

The France full-back is also said to have created a toxic atmosphere in camp after falling out with boss Didier Deschamps.

Deschamps reportedly had "big words" with the sulky star in response. Pavard, 26, started Les Bleus' opening 4-1 win against Australia but lost his place to Jules Kounde.

French reports claim he was criticised by his side after their Socceroos win. And he is said to have sparked a blazing row by rejecting their points.

Samba Boy Scan

Richarlison is preparing to have a scan today on the hamstring injury he suffered at the World Cup.

The Tottenham striker, 25, pulled up late on in Brazil's quarter-final loss to Croatia and fears he could be out for a month.

Richarlison netted three times for his country in Qatar but is yet to score a league goal for Spurs.

Boss Antonio Conte said: "He's going to have an MRI to know the importance of the injury.

"After that we will see very well the time he needs to recover."

That's rich

Eddie Howe has shot down speculation of Newcastle moving for World Cup star Enzo Fernandez - as it would be too expensive.

Despite the Toon's mega-rich owners, the Magpies boss says the Argentina and Benfica midfielder's fee would be "lumpy" following Alan Shearer urging the club to move for him.

Howe said: "I'm aware of him and I know him but I think the transfer fee is a bit lumpy.

"I apologise to Alan for not seeing his TV comments about Fernandez, I think I was on the other channel!

"I don't think you ever just analyse the World Cup and sign a player off the back of those performances. There's a huge body of work that goes into signing a player."

Maradona v Messi

World Cup 2002 winner Kleberson has said he still favours Maradona as the 'GOAT' over Lionel Messi.

The former Man United star said he has not changed his mind on the debate, despite Messi's recent World Cup heroics.

He exclusively told : "People are putting Lionel Messi ahead of Diego Maradona now [in terms of who is the best player of all time]. For me, I don't think that's right.

"I believe that in this moment, and in this generation, he's the best player. I don't want to take anything away from Messi; I believe he's the best player in the world right now, but if you're asking who I prefer out of him and Maradona, it's always Maradona for me... he was fantastic."

Don't Make a Mess of It

PSG want to tie World Cup winner Lionel Messi down to a longer deal in the coming days.

The 35-year-old's contract runs out next summer but he is enjoying a stunning season at club level and has formed a magnificent trio with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

Messi would be allowed to talk to clubs outside of France from January 1.

But report Paris-Saint Germain want Argentina's World Cup hero to stay for longer.

Baby Mbappe

This was the cheeky moment yesterday when Emi Martinez brandished a baby doll with Kylian Mbappe's face on it during yesterday's bus parade.

The Aston Villa keeper is certainly gaining a reputation for these types of stunts.

On Gvard

Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol is likely to stay at RB Leipzig this summer, reports claim.

The German club had inserted a release clause into his contract that activates in 2024, when he will cost £96.1m.

report Leipzig may try and cling onto their 20-year-old defender until then in a blow to Chelsea.

The Blues have long been linked with the Croatian defender who grew his reputation even further with a series of strong World Cup performances for Croatia.

It took genius from Lionel Messi to finally upstage the defender in the semi-finals.

Racist abuse condemned

The French Football Federation (FFF) have condemned racist attacks on French players after the nation's World Cup Final defeat.

Players such as Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni, both of whom missed penalties in the shootout, faced a nasty social media backlash.

The FFF said on Twitter: "At the end of the World Cup final several players from the French team were subjected to racist and unacceptably hateful remarks on social media.

"The FFF condemns them and will lodge a complaint against the authors of those remarks."

Bayern Munich also came out in support of their winger Coman.

Big Mac Deal 

Arsenal could be in a fight with a Atletico Madrid to sign World Cup star Alexis Mac Allister. 

The Brighton forward capped a fantastic tournament in Qatar by being one of Argentina’s star players in their dramatic final win over France. 

The 23-year-old is set to return to a quiet life at the Amex while big clubs scrap over his signature. 

 say Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are the main contenders for his signature, but it is likely his value has risen after his World Cup performances.

Party Time

Before yesterday's parade had to be abandoned for safety reasons, there were some incredible scenes in Buenos Aires.

Millions took to the streets to welcome back their heroes.

Parade Abandoned

Argentina's World Cup parade ended in chaos leaving one fan dead and a boy, 5, in a coma as fans clashed with cops and the team had to evacuated by helicopter.

Pictures show wild scenes of the team bus flanked by riot police as some four million people flooded the streets of Buenos Aires.

But the scenes became increasingly chaotic as fans started to mob the team bus - including trying to climb aboard by jumping off bridges. 

Footage showed one fan falling around 20 feet as plunges from a bridge and just missed the double decker carrying the players.

The full story of yesterday's parade being cut short can be read here.

Alarm Bells

Real Madrid believe they have won the race to sign Jude Bellingham in a £100million-plus deal, writes Charlie Wyett exclusively for SunSport.

The teenage England star has the pick of La Liga giants Real, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea or PSG, especially after his tremendous World Cup performances in Qatar.

But Carlo Ancelotti's Real have become increasingly confident that, after courting him throughout 2022, Bellingham, 19, will snub a Prem move a make a big switch to Spain.

Lion King

Lionel Messi put in one of his best ever performances in an Argentina shirt on Sunday as he drove his country to World Cup victory.

It is just the latest example of the star turning up on the big stage and delivering even bigger moments.

Prior to Sunday's barnstorming final, SunSport looked back at Messi's greatest moments on the international stage.

'Encouraged us from heaven'

Lionel Messi paid an emotional tribute to Diego Maradona yesterday as Argentina basked in the glory of their World Cup win.

The South American country beat France on penalties in Sunday's spectacular finals to capture the Jules Rimet trophy for the first time since 1986.

Messi said on Instagram: “I always had the dream of being a world champion and I didn’t want to stop trying, even knowing that it might never happen. This Cup that we won is also for all those who did not achieve it in the previous World Cups that we played, like in 2014 in Brazil.

“Where everyone deserved it because of how they fought until the very end, how hard they worked and how they wanted it as much as I did… And we deserved it in the end. It is also for Diego who encouraged us from heaven."

Good morning football fans

Argentina captain Lionel Messi finally won his first ever World Cup - the only trophy that eluded his stunning 18-year career.

The Albiceleste won their third overall title in the competition - their first since 1986 - after beating France on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Messi opened the scoring from the spot before ex-Manchester United ace Angel Di Maria doubled the Copa America champions' lead.

But then the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe took over and scored twice to equalise for the Tricolores.

Messi put the Argentines ahead during extra time before Mbappe equalised again to send them game to penalties.

Argentina ultimately stood tall when Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez denied Kingsley Coman, Aurelien Tchouameni missed and Gonzalo Montiel beat Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris.

Meanwhile, PSG superstar Messi has said that Diego Maradona inspired the Argentina team from heaven in an emotional World Cup post on his Instagram page.

The star forward posted: "From Grandoli to the World Cup in Qatar, almost 30 years has passed. It is close to three decades in which football gave me many joys and also some sadness.

"I always had the dream of being a world champion and I didn't want to stop trying, even knowing that it might never happen. This Cup that we won is also for all those who did not achieve it in the previous World Cups that we played, like in 2014 in Brazil.

"Where everyone deserved it because of how they fought until the very end, how hard they worked and how they wanted it as much as I did… And we deserved it in the end. It is also for Diego who encouraged us from heaven.

"And for all those who always help the national team without looking at the result, but rather the desire that we always put into it, even when things do not go as we want. From the coaching staff to all the people from the national team, some of whom are anonymous working day and night to make it easier for us.

"Many times failure is part of the journey and learning. And without disappointment it is impossible for success to come. Thank you very much from the heart! Let's go Argentina!!!"

And Messi is not retiring from international football as he will play at the next World Cup, claims former Argentina star Jorge Valdano.

Valdano told Cadena Cope: "When I interviewed him before the World Cup, off camera he told me that he was going to play in his fifth World Cup and that no footballer had played six.

"He told me that it was impossible, and he told me 'if I'm a world champion I'll keep my shirt on until the next World Cup.'

"We will see if Messi is capable. Football has shown that it is practically impossible to play in six World Cups."

Finally, Salt Bae has been slammed for invading Argentina's World Cup celebrations.

The celebrity chef was seen muscling in on Messi and co's party after their dramatic triumph against France.

Salt Bae was continuously pestering the Barcelona legend for a selfie but the Argentine skipper refused.

The social media personality even appeared to snatch the World Cup trophy from a baby before posing for snaps, even though he played absolutely no part in the Albiceleste's achievement.

Salt Bae bizarrely entered the pitch during celebrations with a VIP card from FIFA hanging around his neck

PSG want to keep Mbappe and Messi

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has revealed the club have no intention of selling Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.

Al-Khelaifi told : “We want to keep both Leo Messi and Mbappe, of course — they’re the best players and the best goalscorers of the World Cup.

“I won’t say more about Messi as we have a plan to discuss after the World Cup.”

There have been reports linking Messi with a return to Barcelona and Inter Miami, while Mbappe is still targeted by Real

PSG to open Messi talks

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

Messi, 35, helped guide Argentina to their third World Cup trophy on Sunday night - his first ever world title.

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

Messi's PSG contract runs out in June and has been linked with a return to Barcelona as well as a move to Inter Miami

'A big failure'

Cristiano Ronaldo was "a big FAILURE" at the 2022 World Cup while long-time rival Lionel Messi was "the absolute winner", says Germany legend Lothar Matthaus.

Matthaus told : "With his ego trips, Ronaldo has damaged the team and himself.

"There is no doubt that he was a great player and an absolutely lethal finisher. But now he has damaged his legacy.

"I find it hard to think that he can find a place in a team. I kind of feel sorry for Ronaldo"

Ron Crissed off

Ex-Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo's sister has slammed Qatar 2022 as the "worst World Cup ever".

Ronaldo, 37, was axed by United early on in the tournament, before underwhelming for Portugal in the group stage.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was dropped by now former manager Fernando Santos for the Round of 16, with replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring a hat-trick.

After Sunday's final the star forward's sister Katia, 45, congratulated Argentina - but lamented the tournament as a whole.

She wrote on social media: "The worst World Cup of all time… that thankfully gave us a great final.

"What a match. Congratulations to Argentina"

Messi chef's kiss

Argentina captain Lionel Messi was seen embracing a crying woman in emotional scenes after his country's World Cup triumph.

The mystery hugger has been revealed as much-loved Argentine chef, Antonia Farias, according to Argentinian reports.

According to , Messi was celebrating with Antonia, a long-time employee of the national team.

Footage emerged of him tightly hugging the emotional chef following Sunday's penalty shootout win over France.

She sported an Argentina shirt as she ran up to the Paris Saint-Germain star on the pitch and wrapped her arms around his back.

Messi's face lit up as he recognised who it was in front of him and returned the hug