Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike hands Spain a 1-0 victory over Argentina, denying Lionel Messi a fairytale World Cup farewell.
Spain were crowned world champions on Sunday after Ferran Torres scored a dramatic extra-time winner to seal a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Torres struck in the 106th minute, crashing home from close range after Nico Williams nodded Pedro Porro’s cross into his path, handing La Roja their second World Cup title and ending Lionel Messi’s hopes of a dream farewell on football’s biggest stage.
The pulsating final, watched by a crowd of 80,663 that included US President Donald Trump, saw Spain dominate possession and chances throughout, while Argentina failed to register a single shot on target across 120 minutes.
At 39, Messi was making what is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance, but the Argentine captain struggled to influence proceedings against a disciplined and relentless Spanish side.
Spain controlled much of the contest, with Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal repeatedly testing Argentina’s backline. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept his side in the game with a string of impressive saves before eventually being beaten in extra time.
The encounter was also marked by controversy and physicality, with several cynical fouls disrupting the flow of the game. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off deep into injury time after a reckless challenge on defender Pau Cubarsi.
Nico Williams thought he had given Spain the lead earlier in extra time, but his effort was ruled out for a marginal foul following a VAR review.
However, Spain’s persistence finally paid off when Williams headed Porro’s cross into the path of Torres, who unleashed a thunderous finish to send Spanish fans into wild celebrations.
The victory marks Spain’s first World Cup triumph since 2010 and cements their status as one of football’s dominant forces, having already claimed the European Championship title.
For Argentina, the defeat ends their reign as world champions and brings the curtain down on Messi’s extraordinary World Cup journey without the fairytale ending many had hoped for.