Jubilant crowds in Buenos Aires for victory parade

STORY: A thunderous atmosphere was created at 25 de Mayo road and 9 de Julio avenue as supporters headed downtown.

The Argentine capital has been in party mode since the dramatic victory over France in Sunday's final in Qatar, which has helped mask economic woes in the South American nation battling one of the world's highest inflation rates.

Around midday, hundreds of thousands had congregated in downtown Buenos Aires, with major roads shut down for the parade.

Led by Lionel Messi, the team arrived in the early hours at Ezeiza airport where despite it being around 3 a.m. (0600 GMT) thousands were waiting with banners, flags and flares, and howling in joy after 36 years since the country's last World Cup victory.