We could not have asked for a better ending to a magnificent World Cup in Qatar on Sunday, with little magician Lionel Messi finally laying his hands on that glittering piece of glory after a nerve-wracking final that Argentina won 4-2 on penalties against holders France after regulation and extra time ended with the scores level.

This was a World Cup for the ages, not just because of the pulsating final which exploded into life after Kylian Mbappe's double strike in a matter of minutes deep into the second half neutralized Argentina's two-goal cushion.

But in truth, that moment captured the Qatar World Cup in a nutshell -- a true roller-coaster littered with plots, subplots, drama, upsets, heartbreak and joy. Football is inexplicably beautiful. It is not for the faint-hearted. And after 28 days of unyielding drama that captivated the hearts and minds of global audiences, the bravest one prevails.

Were Argentina the bravest of them all? They were indeed! After losing their opening match against Saudi Arabia 1-2, they looked dead and buried. Since then, every game was a final and the Albiceleste rose from the ashes and won their next six matches despite suffering a lot along the way. They surrendered a 2-0 lead to the Netherlands, who struck the equalizer virtually with the last kick of the quarterfinal. But Messi and Co. held their nerves to win the shootout 4-3. And they showed that same determination in the final after suffering even more along the way.

The defining moment for Messi and his men came when Gonzalo Montiel placed the fourth spot-kick into the far corner of the net, sending Hugo Lloris to the wrong end. Messi was standing motionless mid-pitch before his teammates buried him under hysterical celebrations.

The goal completed a chequered journey for Messi, the GOAT, with the last and most important missing piece now finally in his trophy cabinet -- the World Cup trophy, which eluded him in his previous four attempts since 2006. He did not miss even a moment, playing every single minute in Qatar, for a grand total of 690, and although he may have been tired by the end, he never wavered.

Watching Messi walk up to the World Cup and kiss it at the winners' podium even before it was presented to him was a fulfilling moment even for a neutral.

Four-time champions Germany were in a similar situation to Argentina, but failed to progress past the first round. Brazil, with all their talents, were not brave enough to hold onto a slender lead for a mere seven minutes exited from the quarterfinals, losing to a feisty Croatia on penalties.

When it mattered most, an impressive England team blinked against France with their trusted striker Harry Kane sending a decisive penalty kick into orbit. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo's dream of immortality ended in tears against a dogged Morocco in a 1-0 quarterfinal defeat. Coming off the bench in the second half, CR7 tried his best to break through the Atlas Lion's iron curtains, but eventually vanished down the tunnel with his head buried in his hands.

The lightweights also had their moments in a World Cup that was more open this time around, with European dominance challenged by Asian and African nations. Morocco's run in this showpiece event rivalled any fairytale.

It all started with a goalless draw against Croatia followed by a stunning 2-0 win against Belgium and 2-1 success over Canada. They became the first African nation to make it into the semifinal, defeating former champions Spain on penalties 3-0 in the round of 16 and then dispatching Portugal to set up a showdown with France. The Atlas Lions might have lost the game 2-0, but they desperately missed a sharpshooter to turn the table around.

This World Cup has produced a record 172 goals, beating the previous best of 171 in South Korea-Japan in 2002 and Brazil in 2014. There were not many from free-kicks, but there were plenty of magnificent goals from open play, starting from Enner Valencia's header in the opening game against Qatar to Mbappe's scorching volley in the final against Argentina. However, Brazil striker Richarlison's bicycle kick against Serbia will probably be etched in the memories of football puritans due to its sheer artistry.

Refreshingly, this World Cup has largely been free from on-field controversies thanks to the introduction of the upgraded VAR (video assistant referee) system. The technology might have disrupted proceedings for a while, but at the end of day it ensured fair judgment involving a goal or any offence in the 18-yard box.

Qatar as hosts faced a lot of criticism for its handling of migrant workers and its conservative culture leading up to the quadrennial event. But it passed the test with flying colours once the tournament started on November 23 as travelling fans enjoyed its humble hospitality.

The world will have to wait another four years before the greatest show on earth descends in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

Until then, it's time to celebrate the fulfilment of one dream and for a host of new dreams to begin taking shape.