At the very moment Brazil were knocked out of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016, Falcao ceased being a player for his national side and became a global futsal legend.
In addition to winning two world titles, two adidas Golden Balls and one adidas Golden Boot, Falcao is the only player to feature at five Futsal World Cups. He is also the competition's all-time top scorer and the player with most tournament appearances.
Yet, the statistics alone cannot explain what Falcao, while representing his country, has given to the development and expansion of futsal, a sport now known across the entire globe.
It is for that reason that prior to the final between Russia and Argentina, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the Brazilian star with an Award for Sporting Achievement, a miniature replica of the Futsal World Cup trophy.
The thundering ovation Falcao received from the crowd at the Coliseo el Pueblo was the perfect way to end a cycle that began at Guatemala 2000. The game of futsal will forever be grateful.
