Lionel Messi and his teammates set off for Argentina with the most coveted prize in football as millions of compatriots waited to welcome them home on Monday and catch a glimpse of the World Cup trophy.

In the capital Buenos Aires and throughout the country, millions took to the streets to celebrate Sunday's remarkable penalty shoot-out victory over France in the World Cup final in Qatar.

"Of course we can't wait to see the players, all of them," added cleaner Rosa Rodriguez, 63.

"It's a good team who did us proud. The biggest celebration will be when they arrive."

Tens of thousands of blue and white-shirted Argentina fans rose to salute Messi as he told them "We're champions of the world!" on the stadium microphone.

Later he told Argentine television: "Obviously I wanted to finish my career with this. I can't ask for any more.

"My career is coming to end because these are my final years. What more could there be after this?"