World Cup final, festivities make Qatar National Day special

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 finals won by Argentina, spectacular fireworks, a winner's parade and cultural pageantry at Lusail Boulevard, a scintillating air show and a host of live performances by renowned international artists were among the highlights of the Qatar National Day Sunday.
The Lusail Boulevard brought together a large number of football fans who patiently waited past midnight for the convoy and the winning team to arrive in an open bus while chanting "Messi, Messi Messi" and waiving both the Qatari and Argentinian flags.
Thousands of supporters followed the float to get a glimpse of team members, especially Messi who led Argentina to victory against France. The parade also featured cultural performers, bands, and entertainers clad in colourful costumes, including football-themed attractions.
"How I feel now is really indescribable not only because of the result of the World Cup finals but also the sport event hosted by Qatar, I think, was successful, everybody is safe and happy, and many football fans like me are still here to witness the Qatar National Day," said Argentinian supporter Enrico who was joined by his compatriots coming from the Lusail stadium.
The huge crowd stayed to revel and witness the entire parade, which continued with several other World Cup and National Day-themed shows and music.
Many residents also roamed around the venue before the start of the finals until past midnight, holding a placard saying, Thank you Qatar for a successful World Cup".
The annual festivity also witnessed numerous activations at Darb Al Saai at Umm Salal Area, as well as other parts of the country, featuring falconry activities, Qatari folk dances, horse riding, handicrafts, and food and beverage offerings, among others.
A number of malls and shopping centres also hosted QND-related activities and shows such as musical performances, stage presentations, special contests for shoppers, roving displays, and arts and crafts.
Greetings from various embassies in Doha also poured in, congratulating Qatar for its National Day and the successful hosting of the World Cup, which began on November 20 and concluded Sunday.