Around 4 million Argentinians take to the streets to celebrate their national team's World Cup victory (video).

Power Agenda - Ten percent of the Argentine population, about 5 million people, took to the streets to honor the national team, which landed in Buenos Aires today.

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Young Argentinians in the post-Maradona era celebrate Messi's first World Cup.

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentine Santiago Cutaia, 34, had never experienced the euphoria of winning a World Cup for his country, having been born two years after Diego Maradona last lifted the trophy for the Argentine national team, in 1986.

Now he knows what it's like to be a world champion.

His generation, which grew up after Maradona's peak, witnessed their national team become world champions for the first time on Sunday, defeating France on penalties in a thrilling final. It was Argentina's third title, their first in 36 years.

"I'm 34 years old and I'd never seen Argentina win the championship," said Cutaia as he celebrated with hundreds of thousands of other fans in downtown Buenos Aires, wearing a blue and white shirt and sunglasses.

The victory was also Lionel Messi's first World Cup title, after a long time living in Maradona's shadow in Argentina, where fans still adore the former number 10 with an almost divine status.

"Celebrating here with everyone --and having the bonus that Messi won the trophy-- is an indescribable happiness," Cutaia added.

In the streets of the capital, Argentinians celebrated until the early hours of Monday morning. They climbed onto bus stops and lampposts, honked horns and played drums, and set off fireworks into the night sky. Some even scaled the tall Obelisk monument.

"It's crazy, look at this. It's the first time I've experienced anything like this," said fan Valentin, celebrating in the city with his face painted in the colors of the Argentine flag.

"I still can't believe it. I'm so happy. Messi deserved it for a long time. I thank the team for what they did."