Spain have won their second FIFA World Cup title after Ferran Torres struck a late extra-time winner to break Argentina’s resistance in a dramatic final. Lionel Messi’s 10-man side fell short of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup crown.Spain finally found the breakthrough after a tense and dramatic contest as Torres scored in the 106th minute to hand La Roja a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina and deny Messi another World Cup fairytale.After 105 minutes of relentless pressure, missed chances and heroic Argentine resistance, Torres delivered the decisive blow just 37 seconds after the restart for the second period of extra time.The goal came from a brilliant team move. Pedro Porro sent a deep cross into the box, Nico Williams headed the ball back into the danger area, and Torres arrived late to smash the finish into the roof of the net.Spain’s celebrations erupted as Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup title were finally ended.The goal was a reward for Spain’s dominance throughout the contest. La Roja controlled possession, created the majority of chances and repeatedly tested Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who had kept his side alive with a record-breaking performance in the final.Argentina, who were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez’s late red card in normal time, were left chasing the game with a numerical disadvantage and little attacking threat.
Messi’s final World Cup ends in heartbreak as Argentina fight with 10 men
The final appeared destined for penalties after both teams failed to break the deadlock in 90 minutes and the first half of extra time.Spain had even seen a goal ruled out earlier in extra time when Nico Williams found the net, but the referee ruled that Mikel Merino had fouled Nicolas Otamendi before the finish.However, Argentina’s resistance suffered a major blow before extra time when Fernandez was sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi.The midfielder, who scored Argentina’s equaliser in their semifinal win over England, protested the decision but referee Slavko Vincic showed no hesitation.With 10 players on the pitch, Argentina were forced into a defensive approach. Coach Lionel Scaloni even replaced Julian Alvarez with defender Marcos Senesi as Spain continued to push forward.The defeat ended Argentina’s dream of a fourth World Cup title and denied Messi the chance to lift the trophy for a second consecutive tournament.Messi, playing in what was widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance, struggled to influence the match as Spain’s midfield and defence successfully contained the Argentine superstar.The defeat also ended Argentina’s remarkable run as reigning champions after their dramatic penalty shootout victory over France in the 2022 final in Qatar.Spain, meanwhile, completed a golden era revival by securing their second World Cup title after their famous 2010 triumph in South Africa.The victory also capped an extraordinary tournament for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who became the first player to feature in both a UEFA European Championship final and a FIFA World Cup final as a teenager.
