Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts through the FIFA World Cup ultimate in opposition to Spain on July 19, 2026. — ReutersSpain’s Ferran Torres scores extra-time winner.Spain win their second World Cup title after their 2010 triumph.Spain dominate possession and created higher probabilities all through.
EAST RUTHERFORD: Ferran Torres scored an extra-time winner as Spain defeated holders Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup on Sunday and shatter Lionel Messi’s goals of a triumphant farewell to soccer’s best stage.
Barcelona striker Torres lashed house a thumping end within the 106th minute to reward a dominant show by Spain in opposition to an Argentina crew who didn’t register a single shot on the right track in 120 minutes.
A star-studded crowd of 80,663 that included US President Donald Trump packed East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium to see if Argentina captain Messi may crown his glittering profession with a second World Cup victory.
However the 39-year-old maestro — nearly definitely enjoying in his ultimate World Cup recreation — was diminished to irrelevance as Spain took management early on in opposition to an Argentina crew who dedicated a listing of cynical fouls all through.
The South Individuals’ skulduggery ended with midfielder Enzo Fernandez being despatched off after a brutal problem on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi in damage time.
For lengthy durations although it regarded as if Argentina might one way or the other maintain on for a penalty shoot-out as Spain struggled to make the breakthrough.
However after Nico Williams had a purpose controversially disallowed in additional time, Spain struck.
A lofted cross to the again publish by Pedro Porro discovered Williams who nodded into the trail of Torres to crash house the purpose that may clinch Spain’s second World Cup title after their maiden 2010 triumph.
“Ultimately, the goal belongs to 47 million people — not just me or the 26 players,” purpose hero Torres mentioned, referring to Spain’s approximate inhabitants.
“At the end of the day, all finals are tough; when you’re up against Messi, there’s a certain nervousness, but we always believed in our football and in ourselves.”
A transparent signal of Argentina’s frustration got here within the fifteenth minute when Alexis Mac Allister went flying in with a studs-up problem that struck Dani Olmo’s ankle.
Mac Allister escaped an early yellow card though Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic solely awarded a foul.
Spain made their presence felt moments later although, with Alex Baena poleaxing Messi with an elbow to the again that once more escaped sanction.
Argentina continued to check referee Vincic’s endurance with a collection of niggly challenges, and Nicolas Tagliafico was fortunate to not be cautioned after raking Lamine Yamal’s calf in a careless problem.
Lopsided half
Spain in the meantime continued to probe for openings however Mikel Oyarzabal failed to significantly check Emi Martinez with a low shot that the Argentina goalkeeper gathered simply within the thirty ninth minute.
Ultimately although Vincic did attain for a yellow card, with Lisandro Martinez booked for a cynical problem on Oyarzabal.
Martinez was substituted shortly afterwards with an obvious damage, veteran Nicolas Otamendi approaching in his place.
The ultimate’s controversial prolonged half-time present that includes the likes of Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber stretched to 27 minutes however did little to upset Spain’s rhythm.
The Spanish piled on the stress in a lopsided second half as Argentina held on grimly.
Spain coach de la Fuente despatched on Pedri and Ferran Torres for Fabian Ruiz and Oyarzabal and the possibilities continued with Argentina in full siege mode.
Yamal twisted away and chipped a cross for Torres, whose downward header was saved by Martinez.
Pedri and Cubarsi each lashed long-range photographs that Martinez failed to understand on the first try however one way or the other Argentina continued to carry on.
However the arrival of substitutes Williams and Mikel Merino gave contemporary life to Spain’s attacking momentum, and the onslaught continued.
Fernandez was booked for dissent within the 82nd minute earlier than Torres and Rodri each fired long-range photographs at Martinez.
Fernandez’s dismissal left Argentina all the way down to 10 males heading into additional time.
Martinez had one final save deep in stoppage time when Yamal’s very good whipped free-kick was clawed vast.
The Spanish dominance continued in additional time, with Williams nearly opening the scoring with a glancing header that Martinez bought down properly to save lots of one-handed.
Moments later it regarded as if Spain had made the breakthrough when Williams slid a low end into the web however referee Vincic blew for a marginal foul on Nicolas Otamendi.
However the breakthrough got here with Torres’s winner.
Argentina made a determined final raid on Spain’s purpose however La Roja held agency to seal victory.
