DOHA, Qatar (AP) — A World Cup which ended with Lionel Messi finally holding the gold trophy in his hands produced some unforgettable images of the Associated Press team of photographers at the tournament in Qatar.
Throughout the 64 matches during nearly a month of soccer, the AP deployed dozens of photographers in and around the eight stadiums in Doha.
It ended at Lusail Stadium with Argentina beating France in a penalty shootout for the title, and a photo of Messi looming over the crowd with the World Cup trophy in hand.
It was one of a group of photos chosen by staff members as their favorite from the tournament.
There were other memorable moments and other star players. Like Cristiano Ronaldo, who could have played his last World Cup match with Portugal at the age of 37. Like Neymar, who overcame an ankle injury to return to the courts but ultimately lost in the quarterfinals with Brazil. Like Luka Modric, who returned to the semifinals with Croatia a year after reaching the final. And like Kylian Mbappé, who became only the second player to score a treble in a World Cup final despite France’s loss to Argentina.
The tournament in Qatar has been criticized for years for the country’s human rights record and began with further controversy when FIFA threatened to penalize players who wanted to wear an unofficial captain’s armband to promote inclusion.
Four-time champions Germany were one such team, and the players decided to take a team photo before their opening match with each of them holding their hand over their mouth to show they were being silenced.
There were also photos off the pitch, like the ones from the fans who make the World Cup so special. And even a photo of cricket with migrant workers playing their favorite game on a rocky lot in the city with skyscrapers all around them.
However, in the end it was all about Messi and that World Cup trophy in his grateful hands.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
