Kylian Mbappe has promised France would return to the largest stage after his World Cup final hat-trick failed to prevent Lionel Messi and Argentina from winning the tournament in Qatar.

Following a back-and-forth 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium, Mbappe's incredible treble—only the second to be achieved in a men's World Cup final—ensured that France would have to go to a penalty shootout.

Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni's failure to score gave the Albiceleste a third championship, preventing him from winning a second World Cup. He then converted the first penalty in the shootout.

Mbappe, who turns 24 on Tuesday, was defiant in his first social media post after Les Bleus' defeat on Monday, writing on Instagram: "We will return".

Three-time World Cup winner Pele was among those to respond to Mbappe's post, simply writing: "Merci".

The Paris Saint-Germain attacker is one of only five players to score in both of the tournament's championship matches, including Vava, Pele, Paul Breitner, and Zinedine Zidane. His total of four goals in World Cup finals is unmatched by any other player.

In an interview with Sky Sports on Monday, former France forward Louis Saha praised Mbappe's performance and said it was exceptional for a player his age.

"It was stratospheric, it's an unbelievable achievement for a young guy like him to do that on that stage," Saha said.

"Everyone was looking for him, even Argentina were looking to defend him and doing everything to stop him. It was not possible.

"On the big stage, with all the pressure on his shoulders, he managed to do this.

"It's sad for him because for such a young age, he would have written a unique story. Nobody has done something like this.

"With all respect to other players, legends of the game, this guy's performance to maintain France's dream… the quality of his attitude through the tournament, it was absolutely breathtaking."