Lionel Messi attained footballing immortality, replicating the achievement of Diego Maradona in 1986, cementing himself as an untouchable god-like figure in the beautiful game.
This was the gaping hole on Messi's already remarkable CV.
Seven Ballon d'Ors, four Champions Leagues, 10 La Liga titles, nearly 800 career goals, yet there was still the argument that World Cup success was a requirement to be on the Mount Rushmore of legends.
His status as the best to ever do it is undeniable now.
As Gonzalo Montiel walked up to the spot, looking to write his name into the history books, Messi looked up to the sky and appeared to say one final prayer to ensure that Argentina would be crowned champions.
He asked Maradona for one final favour in a heartwarming moment: "Vamos Diego, daselo" - "Come on Diego, give it to him" - he pleaded in an emotional state according to reports.
Montiel swept his penalty into the bottom-left corner and Messi collapsed to the floor in an explosion of euphoria.
He was mobbed by Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul and the rest of his teammates who had helped make his ultimate dream come true.
It was a truly spine-tingling moment as the realisation had sunk in that he had finally ’shaken hands with paradise’ as Peter Drury put it.
The rallying cry of ‘Muchachos’ which had been adopted as their anthem for the tournament, provided the backdrop in scenes which will live forever in the hearts of the Argentinian faithful.
The chant translates to:
I was born in Argentina
Land of Diego and Lionel
From the kids of Malvinas
that I will never forget
But that's over
Because in the Maracana the final with the Brazucas was won again by dad
Now we get excited again
I want to win the third
I want to be world champion
And we can see Diego in heaven
With Don Diego and with la Tota
Cheering on Lionel
Now we get excited again
I want to win the third
I want to be world champion
And we can see Diego in heaven
With don Diego and with la Tota
Cheering on Lionel
And be champions again
And be champions again
With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Messi opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, firing past Hugo Lloris from the spot.
Penalty-taking was always seen as an aspect of his game which needed improvement, but with six out of seven spot-kicks dispatched in Qatar, his tireless training has paid dividends.
Angel Di Maria added a second, ten minutes later, as Argentina raced into a two-goal lead. There was a sense of inevitability in the air that it was written in the stars for Messi in his final World Cup game.
A dramatic quick-fire double from Kylian Mbappe took the game to extra-time as he aimed to spoil the Argentina party and ruin Messi's perfect ending.
Messi bundled in Argentina's third in the 108th minute, putting Lionel Scaloni's side on the cusp of glory, only to be pegged back again courtesy of a remarkable Mbappe hat-trick to take the game to penalties.
Both superstars made no mistake from the spot as the pressure cranked up. Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni both failed to convert, with mind games from Emi Martinez playing an integral role.
It was then up to Montiel who slotted home, confirming the South American's as World Champions.
Televison Publica reporter Sofia Martinez expressed her gratitude to Messi, informing him of the mark he is made on his country.
He has inspired a nation who view him as a god amongst men: "There is no kid who doesn't have your your team shirt. No matter if it is a fake, real or made up one.
"Truly, you made your mark in everyone's life and that to me is beyond winning any World Cup.
"No one can take that from you and this is my gratitude for such amount of happiness you bring to a lot of people."
He encapsulates the Argentine mentality - never giving up and fighting until the very end through blood, sweat and tears no matter what barrier is in the way.
This is a period of great uncertainty for his country.
Argentina is struggling to cope with hyperinflation and the poverty rates continue to soar.
Inflation in Argentina is predicted to hit 90% before the end of the year according to NBC.
Despite the tough times inflicted on the people, the country has never been more united, with the goal of World Cup glory finally achieved.
The Messi effect.
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The crowning of the King
As the most prestigious trophy in football was presented to him, Messi was draped in a black cloak symbolic of royalty. It was worn by Arabian warriors after victory and only the royal family have the honour of wearing it.
This was not an attempt at sports washing contrary to beliefs, but an honour of respect to a man who has changed so many lives and achieved it all.
The cloak signified Messi as a warrior who had emerged victorious for his country.
He was being honoured as royalty as he proudly wore his country's shirt underneath.
It was fitting that in the most electrifying tournament ever held, in the most scintillating World Cup Final ever, Messi was crowned as the King of football.
It was destiny, written in the stars.
An incredible tournament ended with shattering countless individual accolades to top it off.
He became the first player to win the Golden Ball twice.
He is the only player to score in the group stage, round of 16, Quarter- final, Semi-Final and Final in a single World Cup.
Only two players have scored more than five goals and created 20 plus chances in a World Cup - the other being Maradona. Fitting.
He became the first player to win five Player of the Match awards at a single World Cup.
These are to name just a few of the records he has shattered this tournament. It was never going to end any other way.
As Messi hoisted the trophy into the night sky, it was confirmed: The King of football had reached immortality.
