Spain edge Argentina after extra time to win 2nd World Cup title

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Ferran Torres secured Spain’s second men’s World Cup title with a decisive extra-time goal against defending champions Argentina in a heated final marked by Enzo Fernández’s red card.

The Barcelona forward, who came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute, scored in the 106th minute, giving Spain a 1-0 victory in a match played on Sunday.

“The goal belonged to 47 million people,” Torres stated, emphasizing that the victory was for all of Spain. “Destiny was written, and it was meant for us to win far away from our people.”

Game Overview

By the time Torres found the net, Argentina was left with 10 players, following Fernández’s dismissal after a second yellow card for a foul on Pau Cubarsí late in the second half. Referee Slavko Vincic had no choice but to send off the Chelsea midfielder at the third minute of stoppage time.

Spain dominated the match, creating numerous chances while Argentina struggled to register their first shot until Lionel Messi’s blocked attempt in the 117th minute. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez of Argentina made 11 saves, setting a record for a World Cup final.

At 39 years old, Messi became the first player to start three World Cup finals. He concluded the tournament with eight goals, just two behind France’s Kylian Mbappé for the Golden Boot, potentially marking the end of his World Cup career with 21 goals overall.

Despite expressing sadness post-match, Messi acknowledged, “They were better, to be honest.” Argentina aimed to be the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups but fell short against the formidable Spanish side.

Coaches’ Reactions

“I feel sadness but knowing that we left everything out there,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni remarked. He praised his players for their effort, despite the loss. “They were better, that’s the truth, but I will cherish the memories of this group.”

Spain’s triumph adds to their impressive history, marking their first World Cup victory since 2010. With only one goal allowed throughout the tournament, they broke the record for the fewest goals conceded by a World Cup-winning team.

Coach Luis de la Fuente, at age 65, became the oldest manager to lead a team to World Cup glory. “We are world champions,” he declared, expressing pride in the team’s journey. Spain’s unbeaten streak now stands at 38 matches, reinforcing their dominance in international football.

As the 104th match of the largest World Cup in history concluded, celebrities from various fields attended, showing the global impact of the tournament. President Donald Trump presented the trophy to Rodri, signaling Spain’s return to the pinnacle of soccer.