Watching the FIFA President and Qatari Emir give the World Cup to Lionel Messi was like watching two thieves return a stolen bottle of whiskey to the shop-owner and expecting to be shown gratitude.

After two hours of exhilarating competition, the boy from Rosario thrust the World Cup into the Qatari night to a reception of exaltation in the Lusail Stadium and beyond. The perfect end to what was a perfect game. Far from the ordinary World Cup final, this one had it all: a late French comeback inspired by Mbappe, two extra-time goals, penalties galore, and heroic saves and dance moves from a marvellous Emiliano Martínez.

This World Cup final will always be remembered, and so it should be, as a victory for football, but not for FIFA.

The controversy surrounding this tournament has been unlike any other. The World Cup was marred by corruption and modern slavery long before a ball was kicked. Many will point the finger at Qatar, and with good reason. It was the Qatari state who oversaw the deaths of 6,500 migrant workers. It was the Qatari state who maintained a position of absolute intolerance to LGBTQ+ fans from around the world. But make no mistake, it was FIFA who let it happen.

Despite Infantino’s efforts, FIFA will not be able to cleanse itself of this. Football is still a force for good; it is still a playground for dreamers and an arena for heroes. It should be FIFA’s job to make sure this beautiful game is not corrupted.

This needs to start with measures of accountability within the organisation of FIFA. The vote on who hosts the World Cup currently takes place in FIFA’s Congress. This is a highly elitist method vulnerable to corruption and political lobbying. I would suggest that the vote is opened up to a broader audience, perhaps to all members of affiliated football associations.

The handing over of the trophy to the Albiceleste followed a length procession of hand-shaking, arm-grabbing, and head-touching conducted by Gianni Infantino, the entourage of FIFA confederation presidents, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and for some reason Emanuel Macron. Barring Macron, these were the people who organised this tournament and who will no doubt take full responsibility for the success of the final.

This is football aristocracy, but, as Messi graced that epic stage, the people of the world only saw one royal.