A hat-trick in his final game was scant consolation as Iran defeated Brazil in the FIFA 2016 Futsal World Cup, thus ending the career of the country's most decorated futsal player.
Falcao retires as the game's top scorer with 48 goals in 34 games across five competitions. Last night's second round game saw Brazil draw 4-4 with Iran, before penalties secured the underdog's progression to the next round.
"I remain very happy having finished my career with a hat-trick but unfortunately they are worth nothing," he told FIFA.com.
"These goals are of no real value; they are just helping me to improve my record. If I was able to change everything I did in this tournament, including the goals, and be able to trade it to become world champion, I would in an instant."
The Iranian team recognised the importance of the result and how their spot kick ended Falcao's dream of becoming a world champion for a record third time. All at once, they hoisted him onto their shoulders and paid tribute to his contribution to the sport.
He continued: "Even with this result, I remain hugely proud because as I end my career I know I will be remembered as a very important player in the history of futsal.
"I was world champion twice, while I am so honoured to see how the fans view me and what I have done, as this is what is most important to me."
His coach Sergio added: "Falcao has been huge, not only for the national team, but for the world. His influence is massive but this is the end of his time with the national team, and he’s not going to the final, which is historic, as it is the first time ever we’ve not made it into the semi-finals.
"It was our best game of the competition but we lost on penalties. We were unlucky to see Ari’s penalty hit the post, but we need to move on. That’s life."
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