A media scrum outside the U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro.

The finale of a long running legal saga that has strained ties between Brazil and the United States.

At the center of it is this boy, nine year-old Sean Goldman, wearing a yellow Brazil football shirt.

He is being reunited with his father, David, who has fought a five year custody battle after his now-deceased ex-wife took Sean to Brazil and re-married.

Here his Brazilian relatives and step-father are bringing him to his father in line with the court deadline.

Legal proceedings occurred behind closed doors and then New Jersey resident, David Goldman, left the consulate with his son for the airport.

Brazil's top judge ruled late on Tuesday that Goldman should have custody, backing a decision made the week before by a federal court.

Sean's Brazilian family says they will not appeal the ruling.

The case became a high-profile issue, stalling the passage of a trade bill between the two countries.

Now father and son are flying back to the United States.