FIFA

Brazil entered the tournament in Qatar as favourites but were eliminated for the fifth consecutive time by a European opponent at football's showpiece event, news agency Xinhua reported.

The Atlas Lions were eliminated by France 2-0 in the semifinals at the World Cup before losing 2-1 to Croatia in the third-place playoff, ending their journey with a memorable fourth place as the first ever African side to reach the World Cup semifinals. Morocco is now the highest-ranked team in Africa, ahead of Senegal (19th), Tunisia (30th), Cameroon (33rd) and Nigeria (35th), reports Xinhua news agency.

Les Bleus lost a nail-biting final to Argentina on penalty kicks following a 3-3 draw after extra time. During the thrilling clash, Kolo Muani missed a chance to win the game in extra time for France, while Tchouameni and Coman both missed penalties in the shootout.

The official handover ceremony took place after the final match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday night.On this occasion, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani expressed his happiness for the success of the State of Qatar in organising an exceptional edition of the World Cup for the first time in the Middle East.

The World Cup trophy presentation moment has been the most trending topic with social media users expressing the pride and joy they felt seeing the moment. Messi allowed the Emir to place the robe around his shoulders before taking the trophy from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Rising prices, inflation and frequently government announced policy changes to curb the crisis are everyday news for the Argentinians, but nothing beats the news of the national team winning the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy for the third time. All their economic worries were set aside by the emotional and ecstatic fans as they lined the boulevard in Qatar following Sunday's incredible World Cup final between Argentina and France.

The six goals that went into the back of the net on Sunday means that 172 goals were scored in the 2022 World Cup, one more than the 171 scored in the 1998 and 2014 editions, reports Xinhua.This target has been reached thanks to results, such as Spain's 7-0 thumping of Costa Rica and England's 6-2 win against Iran, despite six goalless draws in the group stage.

"We need to save him a spot for the next World Cup. If he wants to play, he'll be with us," Scaloni was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. Messi has repeatedly said that this World Cup - the fifth of his career would be his last. Despite having won the 2021 Copa America and now football's most coveted prize, Scaloni suggested that Messi could still have the motivation to continue his international career beyond Qatar.

"This will be remembered as one of the most thrilling Football matches! Congrats to Argentina on becoming #FIFAWorldCup Champions! They've played brilliantly through the tournament. Millions of Indian fans of Argentina and Messi rejoice in the magnificent victory!" Modi tweeted, also tagging Argentina President Alberto Fernandez.

On Sunday, the 35-year-old guided his country to its third title and his one following a 4-2 shootout win over France. "I want to play a few more games as a world champion. I was lucky to clinch every title in my career; this was the only one missing. I want to take this one there (to Argentina) and enjoy it with everybody else," said Messi, who won the Golden boot, becoming the first man to do so twice.