Spain claimed their second FIFA World Cup title on Sunday after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in an extra-time thriller at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, handing the European champions a memorable victory and denying Lionel Messi a dream farewell in what is widely expected to be his final international appearance.
Spain dominated much of the contest, creating the better chances against an Argentina side that spent long periods defending and finished the match with 10 men.
The breakthrough came after substitute Nico Williams headed the ball into Torres’ path, allowing the forward to fire a powerful close-range effort past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina’s hopes had suffered a major setback moments before extra time when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Martinez produced a series of outstanding saves to keep Argentina in the contest.
The goalkeeper denied Lamine Yamal’s late free-kick in stoppage time before making another crucial save from Williams’ header in extra time. Williams also had a goal ruled out after substitute Mikel Merino was adjudged to have fouled Nicolas Otamendi during the build-up.
Torres eventually broke Argentina’s resistance with the match-winning strike, sealing Spain’s sixth victory in seven major international finals.
The defeat ended Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first nation in 64 years to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title after their triumph in 2022.
The final also marked what is expected to be the last international appearance of Messi, whose bid to end his career with consecutive World Cup titles fell short.
Off the pitch, United States President Donald Trump arrived at the stadium before kick-off, while Madonna, Shakira, Burna Boy and Justin Bieber headlined the tournament’s first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show, extending the interval to 27 minutes.
Spain’s latest triumph comes 16 years after winning their maiden World Cup title in South Africa.
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