The football World Cup in Qatar may have achieved the unthinkable: it has made a world that worships reason rediscover its faith in fairy tales. This is because in the course of a month, the line between reality and fantasy was blurred quite often. Consider the final match between Argentina — the new champions — and France — the former holders of the trophy. Much like a Hitchcockian plot, the match took unexpected twists and turns, delighting viewers. It is a pity that one of the teams came out second-best at the end of what is definitely one of the more memorable of World Cup finals in recent times. But the game was afoot from the beginning of the tournament. Some of the giants of football — Germany being one example — fell to minnows. Asian and African countries — Japan and Cameroon, respectively — took giant strides. This goes to show that Fifa’s decision to democratise the Beautiful Game is correct. A World Cup with 48 competitors, as is the plan for the next edition, could lead to further surprises. Hearteningly, the rise in the number of participants has not led to a fall in standards. The edition in Qatar was prolific; an astounding 172 goals were scored, affirming teams’ preference for attractive, open football as opposed to the dreary defensive style that was witnessed, say, in Italy in 1990. This is a good sign as it is likely to add to the burgeoning number of football lovers.
Every fairy tale features a Prince Charming. There can be no doubt about the fact that Lionel Messi, playing his last World Cup, charmed one and all with his determination and skill. Mr Messi’s leadership and, obviously, his twinkling feet were instrumental in Argentina winning the Cup after a disastrous start. Mr Messi’s redemption — he had returned empty-handed on previous occasions — bears a deeper message of hope for humankind on all kinds of pitches: that perseverance pays. In a world riven by conflict, disease, and inequity, hope, the kind Mr Messi and Argentina epitomised, has the potential of making a difference. The World Cup also shone light on something else that is equally relevant and critical. That a comity of nations and citizens can set aside their differences, albeit monetarily, and partake of a shared Cup of joy. This momentum needs to be harnessed for greater good.