Spain obtained their second World Cup title after substitute Ferran Torres scored in the second period of extra-time at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
The goal came with Argentina down to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in regulation following a reckless tackle. Tempers flared then and flared again after the final whistle with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and players from both sides engaging in what appeared to be some pushing and shoving.
In the end, Spain denied Messi a second straight title in what he has indicated was his final World Cup match the box and used his left foot to bury a shot just under the crossbar in the 106th minute.
MATCH SUMMARY
1-Spain: Unai Simón, Laporte (García, 99’), Cubarsí, Cucurella, F. Ruiz (Pedri, 62’), Baena (Williams, 75’), Rodri (Zubimendi, 99’), Olmo (Merino, 75’), Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal (Ferrán Torres, 62’).
0-Argentina: E. Martínez, Tagliafico, Romero (Medina, 70’), L. Martínez (Otamendi, 44’), Montiel (Molina, 58’), De Paul (Simeone, 70’), González (Paredes, 45’), Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Álvarez (Senesi, 102’) and Messi.
Goals
- (min. 106): Ferrán Torres.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain were the better team. “They were the better side — that’s the truth — but I’ll cherish the memory of them (his team), of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far,” said Scaloni, who later broke down in tears at his post-game press conference. We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort,” he said.
In an official statement, Real Madrid C.F, its president and its board of directors congratulated the Spanish football on winning the 2026 World Cup.
“Congratulations to the Royal Spanish Football Federation for this historic triumph for Spanish football, which makes us proud and happy. Special congratulations to the coach, the entire team, our player Marc Cucurella, all members of the national team, and especially the Spanish fans. Congratulations to all of Spain.”
