President Sheikh Mohamed congratulates Emir of Qatar on success of World Cup

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, also lauded a memorable tournament

It's finally his. Getty Images

Argentina's captain and hero Lionel Messi celebrates with his family after winning the World Cup. AP Photo

Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Golden Glove Award. AP Photo

Argentina's Lisandro Martinez and his loved ones cherish the moment. Reuters

Former Argentina player Sergio Aguero celebrates with the team. PA

Messi also picked up the Best Player Award. EPA

Messi received the award from Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. Fifa president Gianni Infantino, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron, right, were also on stage. EPA

German Pezzella gets his hands on football's biggest prize. Getty Images

Angel Di Maria, centre, was heroic for Argentina in the final. Getty Images

Argentina players celebrate Gonzalo Montiel's World Cup-winning penalty. Getty Images

Lionel Messi scored two goals and secured his first World Cup title. Getty Images

A penalty shoot-out has to be one of sport's cruelest moments. Getty Images

It is Argentina's third World Cup triumph. Getty Images

Tearful players collapsed on the pitch in celebrations. AP Photo

The South Americans won 4-2 on penalties, after it finished 3-3 in extra time. Getty Images

Argentina's Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi embrace at the final whistle. Reuters

Heartbreak for the holders at Lusail Stadium. PA

Montiel celebrates scoring the winning goal. PA

Some can't watch, others can. AP Photo

President Sheikh Mohamed has congratulated Sheikh Tamim, the Emir of Qatar, on the success of the Fifa World Cup.

The UAE leader visited Qatar earlier this month for talks with Sheikh Tamim, following which he said he was pleased to discuss relations and ways to strengthen them.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, delivered a similar message of support following the thrilling conclusion of the tournament on Sunday.

Argentina were crowned world champions for a third time after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over holders France at Lusail Stadium.

Two goals from Lionel Messi had looked set to earn the South Americans victory, only for Kylian Mbappe to complete a remarkable hat-trick as a pulsating match ended 3-3.

It proved a fitting finale for a memorable festival of football which has helped to shine a light on Arabic hospitality as Qatar welcomed the world to join the party.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino described the 22nd staging of the World Cup — and the first in the Middle East — as “the best ever” in the build-up to the final.

His sentiments were echoed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, who said the tournament showcased the best of the Arab world.

“We congratulate Qatar for hosting the best Fifa World Cup ever,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote on Twitter.

“Your exceptional hospitality showcased authentic Arab culture and values to the world.

“Our teams gave their best in the World Cup with a distinctive Arab footprint.

“It was a well-deserved victory for Argentina.”

The next Fifa World Cup in 2026 will be hosted by three countries; the US, Mexico and Canada.