Lionel Messi has fulfilled a destiny which has been his since before birth and has brought spring back to Argentina - so say his country's newspapers.

In newspaper Pagina 12, Jose Luis Lanao wrote that "it is spring once again", describing Argentina's flag as "sky blue and white like a cherry blossom illuminated by the open sky".

He describes the country as "the world champion in soccer and joy"

.

In another newspaper, Clarin, journalist Juan Cruz reminds readers that "football is made of roses and thorns" - while also inadvertently raising a question over Messi's age. While Fifa's squad list

suggests he is 35, Cruz has him a year younger.

"Messi, at 34 years old, is the world champion, a trophy that he was destined for before he was even born," Cruz said.

Argentina president Alberto Fernandez thanked the team, writing on Twitter: "Always together, always united."

Fernandez' Chilean counterpart Gabriel Boric offered "a giant embrace to our Argentine brothers", adding: "Your happiness crosses the mountains."

Here is how the rest of the world reacted to Argentina's win.

Argentina

France

UK

Spain

Brazil

The United States

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