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

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  It's finally his. Getty Images

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

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

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

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  Former Argentina player Sergio Aguero celebrates with the team. PA

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  Messi also picked up the Best Player Award. EPA

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  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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  Tearful players collapsed on the pitch in celebrations. AP Photo

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

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

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  Heartbreak for the holders at Lusail Stadium. PA

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  Montiel celebrates scoring the winning goal. PA

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  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.

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  President Sheikh Mohamed is received by Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar, upon arriving at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Presidential Court

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  Sheikh Mohamed with Sheikh Tamim in Doha at the start of an official visit. Hamad Al Kaabi / Presidential Court

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  Sheikh Mohamed with Sheikh Tamim at the Amiri Diwan. Seen with Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, National Security Adviser. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Presidential Court

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  Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, National Security Adviser; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed; and Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad, Private Affairs Adviser in the Presidential Court, attend a meeting with Sheikh Tamim during a reception at the Amiri Diwan. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Presidential Court

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  Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Tamim stand for the national anthem during a reception at the Amiri Diwan. Abdulla Al Neyadi / Presidential Court

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  Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Tamim inspect the Qatar Guard of Honour. Rashed Al Mansoori / Presidential Court

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  The Qatar Guard of Honour stands to attention during a reception for Sheikh Mohamed. Abdulla Al Neyadi / Presidential Court

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  Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Tamim inspect the Qatar Guard of Honour. Rashed Al Mansoori / Presidential Court

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  Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Tamim at the Amiri Diwan. Rashed Al Mansoori / Presidential Court

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  Camel riders participate in a reception for Sheikh Mohamed at the Amiri Diwan. Abdulla Al Neyadi / Presidential Court

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  President Sheikh Mohamed is driven by the Emir of Qatar. Presidential Court

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  President Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to Sheikh Tamim before leaving from Hamad International Airport, at the end of his official visit to Qatar. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court

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.