The tournament wrapped up largely as Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump had envisioned. Earlier during the drawn-out World Cup final day the trophy had emerged from a Louis Vuitton trunk in a moment that captured the event's extravagance. They then moved together toward the podium to award it to a smiling Rodri, with a minor awkward pause when Trump remained for Spain's team photo. After dismissing any trace of discomfort they departed, golden glitter visible on the uneven pitch and the impact from a football event of unmatched scale echoing well beyond this built-up enclave in New Jersey.

How to interpret a vivid, often peculiar tournament that felt both open and strangely remote? It finished with a disorienting sequence under a clear American sky, football taking a back seat for much of the afternoon even though the match itself did little to assist. Observers seeking meaning might find satisfaction in Spain's victory. Ultimately it represented the success of a team-oriented approach in a World Cup designed to highlight individual stardom.

Throughout the afternoon Infantino and Trump remained side by side, taking in the scene behind protective glass. What message did this send about the sport's condition? The recent disputes show that football's leaders, with Trump counting among them due to his granted influence, have rarely been more detached or secure. Across the divide Argentina and Spain competed in one of the weaker finals in memory, though at moments it was unclear how significant that proved.

The spectators who spent $1m for pitchside seats from a hospitality firm, complete with sun hats, may have discovered that football does not always deliver instant excitement. Yet this was chiefly an event for visibility rather than viewing. A Fifa document issued before kick-off listed 235 celebrities and VVIPs present. One attendee, Tom Cruise, tried to speak during the sparse pre-match entertainment but was overwhelmed by Argentina's supporters, marking one of the few instances when a genuine football atmosphere emerged.

This event has stretched and altered football's structure. Infantino's group may view all attention as beneficial, capable of amplification and conveying the sport's bold modern image to new audiences. Football's governing body has clearly made its mark on the US public, many of whom referred to the tournament as some version of "the Fifa" over the summer.

Yet the Folarin Balogun situation has inflicted lasting harm on confidence in Fifa's processes and its claims of impartiality. It has strained relations with insiders whose loyalty once seemed assured, though not enough to alter the likelihood of Infantino's landslide re-election in March. More concerning, it signals to newcomers that outcomes can be influenced through connections. Trump has openly expressed interest in the US gaining sole hosting rights soon. Collaboration between him and Infantino shows no sign of diminishing. By the next cycle in 2038 his nation could be hosting an event that, in ethical terms, resembles the Enhanced Games.

For the present the sport finds ways to endure even if the final remained laborious until Ferran Torres sealed Spain's win as afternoon turned to evening. Cape Verde's run, especially goalkeeper Vozinha's performances, stood out memorably. Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham delivered as expected from top talents. Belgium overcame a previously appealing US team in the last 16, so Balogun's decision carried no decisive effect.

Amid the controversy genuine examples emerged of what a World Cup can achieve. Places such as Kansas City and Houston welcomed fans, teams and visitors warmly. Hospitality felt genuine and often surprising. From abroad it was simple to judge the whole US by its leadership. Yet people remain fundamentally decent and inquisitive. Extended travel across the country provided a chance to recall that fact.

The US is vast, its immigrant populations engaged and its lesser-known areas remote enough that signs of the tournament appeared both widespread and scattered. Canada showed similar patterns to varying degrees. Mexico supplied raw football energy. It featured the summer's standout venue, the exceptional Azteca, and deserved more matches than just the last 16. The concern is it may not get another opportunity.

Fifa and Infantino will feel strengthened by the $15bn revenue, well above forecasts. In reality a strong financial result was almost assured. Infantino's drive for expansion leaves little room for restraint. A 64-team format is now under active consideration. By the time it arrives international football outside Europe may have discovered paths to growth. It remains an issue that Argentina and Morocco were the sole non-European representatives past the last 16.

The tournament has concluded after consuming unprecedented sums of money, resources and focus. As Infantino and Trump left a tearful Messi stood before Argentina's fans. At last an intensely personal scene appeared that the day had missed. An era closes for football's finest player and the supporters who transform each of his appearances into a lively tribute. This was the period when the sport seemed to shift into an entirely new phase.