Spain Clinches Second World Cup with Extra-Time Strike, Messi's Final Bid Falls Short
NEW JERSEY — Spain are world champions for the second time, overcoming defending champion Argentina 1-0 in a tense final that required extra time to separate the sides. Substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, lashing home a bouncing ball from close range to seal victory at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
The match was a cagey affair in the opening 45 minutes, with Spain enjoying greater possession and Argentina looking to make the game into a scrap. The first half ended goalless, with Spain controlling the tempo and forcing Argentina to chase. Lamine Yamal forced a save from Emiliano Martinez after just five minutes, and Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal tested the Argentine keeper again on 39 minutes, but the chances were few and far between.
The tournament final was also marked by off-pitch distractions, including a delayed kickoff due to a pre-match show featuring singer Robbie Williams and actor Tom Cruise, and the arrival of US President Donald Trump, who was booed by the crowd as he entered the pitch with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Spain's dominance was reflected in the statistics: they took the game's first 20 shots on goal before Argentina managed its first attempt, which came in the second half of extra time. Spain also took nine of the game's first 10 corner kicks, and only a record-breaking performance by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez — who made 12 saves — kept the 2022 champions in contention.
Argentina's task became even tougher in injury time when midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off, leaving his team to play extra time down a man. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Argentina forced extra time and nearly snatched a winner, but Spain's persistence ultimately paid off.
"I'm very moved. Looking back and thinking about them, we've won everything, absolutely everything, with this generation of players," said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. "The match should have been decided much earlier ... but this is a World Cup final, and you have to dig deep even against ten men, and we’re prepared for anything."
Spain's captain Rodri, named player of the tournament, lifted the trophy. The victory also makes Spain the first nation to hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles simultaneously, following the women's team's triumph in 2023.
For Argentina's Lionel Messi, the final may well have been his last World Cup appearance. The 39-year-old was largely kept in check, and his only notable moment came early when he was beaten to a through ball by Spanish keeper Unai Simon. Messi acknowledged Spain's superiority postgame, saying, "They were better, to be honest. We lost the game, and we accept that."
Spain's win extends their unbeaten run to 38 matches, a record for a European men's team, surpassing Italy's previous mark of 37.
Perspectives
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente emphasized his team's resilience and preparation, noting that despite the match not being decided earlier, they were ready for the challenge even against ten men. He praised his squad's achievements, calling it a generation that has won "absolutely everything."
Argentina captain Lionel Messi conceded Spain's superiority, stating, "They were better, to be honest. We lost the game, and we accept that." His remarks reflected a gracious acknowledgment of defeat in what could be his final World Cup appearance.