- WEB DESK
- 43 Minutes ago
FIFA 2026: Spain dethrone Messi’s Argentina to lift the World Cup after extra-time triumph
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- WEB DESK
- Today
WEB DESK: Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup champions after defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina 1-0 in a tense final decided by Ferran Torres’s extra-time goal at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. The victory delivered Spain their second world title and their first since 2010, adding the game’s biggest prize to their recent European success.
After 105 goalless minutes, Spain finally broke through at the beginning of the second period of extra time. Pedro Porro sent the ball towards the far post, where Nico Williams kept the attack alive with a measured header into the path of Torres. The forward composed himself inside the area before driving a powerful finish into the roof of the net, rewarding Spain for their sustained control of possession and the greater number of chances they created throughout the contest.
Argentina had spent much of the match defending deep and frustrating Spain, with Messi largely unable to influence proceedings. The defending champions began to attack with greater urgency only after falling behind, committing players forward during the closing stages as they searched for an equaliser. Their clearest opportunity arrived in stoppage time when Giuliano Simeone found space in the penalty area, but he leaned back and sent his effort over the crossbar. Spain also survived a late scramble from a corner, with Mikel Merino producing a crucial defensive intervention as Argentina pushed desperately for a way back.
The final whistle triggered jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters, confirming a victory that reflected their dominance of the ball and attacking intent. Spain repeatedly tested Argentina’s defensive organisation, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and the back line had kept the scores level for more than 100 minutes before Torres finally ended their resistance.
The celebrations were also accompanied by ugly scenes in the centre of the pitch, where players from both sides became involved in a confrontation. Leandro Paredes appeared to lash out during the melee, drawing criticism from former England striker Alan Shearer, who condemned Argentina’s reaction to defeat. The altercation briefly overshadowed the closing moments, but Spain’s players soon returned to celebrating a historic triumph as La Roja reclaimed the World Cup crown and brought Argentina’s reign under Messi to an end.
Torres fired Spain into a 1-0 lead after more than 105 minutes of relentless pressure as Pedro Porro delivered the ball towards the back post, where Nico Williams kept the move alive with a clever header into Torres’s path.
The forward showed composure inside the area and drove his finish into the roof of the net, finally finding a way past Argentina’s disciplined defence. Spain’s breakthrough reflected their sustained attacking intent, while Argentina were left needing a dramatic response from Lionel Messi and his teammates to keep their title hopes alive.
Spain came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 104th minute when Nico Williams delivered an excellent cross to Mikel Merino at the far post. The midfielder, who had scored several important goals during the tournament, sent his header wide from close range in what was one of Spain’s clearest opportunities.
Argentina continued to frustrate Spain through disciplined defending, physical challenges and relentless teamwork. Their supporters responded loudly to every block and tackle, while the team’s rare ventures into the Spanish half were greeted with huge cheers.
Tempers also began to rise before the interval. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was shown a yellow card after protesting a collision involving Giuliano Simeone and Marc Cucurella, while Leandro Paredes was involved in another heavy challenge on Merino as the first period of extra time ended.
Nico Williams found the net in the 96th minute after Mikel Merino kept the ball alive inside the penalty area, but the referee immediately disallowed the goal for a foul on Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Replays prompted debate, with former England striker Alan Shearer saying the contact appeared too slight to justify the decision.
Martinez had already produced a crucial save moments earlier to deny Williams as Spain continued to press for the winner. Argentina’s goalkeeper remained alert despite a missed touch in front of him, keeping the defending champions level as Spain intensified their pressure
La Roja dominated the contest from start to finish, enjoying 65 per cent possession and completing 603 passes with an impressive 91 per cent accuracy. Spain registered 14 shots, including eight on target, and won eight corners, repeatedly testing the Argentine defence.
Despite Spain’s relentless attacking display, Argentina’s backline stood resolute, denying every opportunity that came their way. The Albiceleste managed no shots throughout regulation time, held just 35 per cent possession, and completed 325 passes with an 81 per cent accuracy rate.
Argentina’s defensive approach saw the team commit 17 fouls and receive three yellow cards, while Spain finished the 90 minutes without a booking. The South American side also recorded one offside and earned a single corner.
With neither side able to break the deadlock, live match projections heavily favoured extra time, giving it an 89 per cent probability before the final whistle. Spain’s chances of winning within regulation stood at just 7 per cent, while Argentina’s were 4 per cent.
The match now heads into an additional 30 minutes, where Spain will look to finally convert their dominance into the winning goal, while Argentina aim to extend their defensive resilience and seize any opportunity on the counterattack or in a potential penalty shootout.
