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Argentina twice squandered a lead, including in extra-time, before edging past defending champions France 4-2 on penalties.
"It was a game where we suffered," said Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made a crucial penalty save in the shootout in Sunday's final (Monday AEDT) and was later named FIFA's goalkeeper of the tournament.
On a night of high drama and fluctuating fortunes, Argentina squandered a 2-0 lead in a whirlwind two minutes in regular time before going back in front in extra-time with Lionel Messi's second goal of the game.
But then French star Kylian Mbappe completed his hat-trick - a first in the final in 56 years - to level 3-3 in the 118th minute and force the shootout.
"Two crappy shots and they (France) levelled. They give them another penalty, they scored. Thank God later I did my thing, what I dreamed of," Martinez said.
"There could not have been a World Cup that I have dreamed of like this. I was calm during the penalties."
For Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni it was a nail-biting finish to a turbulent tournament and he could not hold back his tears following the final whistle.
"I cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game. Unbelievable, but this team responds to everything," Scaloni said.
"I am proud of the work they did. It is an exciting group. With the blows we received today, with the draws, this makes you emotional.
"I want to tell people to enjoy, it's a historic moment for our country.
"We who live for this and who have been through the good and the bad are used to these things ... Above all it is an incredible enjoyment. Being at the top as we are now is something unique."
It was the third world title for Argentina and the first since the late Diego Maradona won the trophy almost single-handedly in 1986.
"It is a moment that I will never erase in my life," Enzo Fernandez, who won the tournament's 'Young Player' award, said.
"Having the chance to win the World Cup with my country is priceless. Let's take the cup and celebrate together."
Defender Rodrigo De Paul said: "I'll never forget it. We had to suffer but we deserved to win.
"We've beaten the last champions. It's a joy I cannot put into words.
"I'm proud of being born in Argentina and today we are on top of the world."
