Spain 1-0 Argentina: Ferran Torres’ extra time winner secures World Cup trophy for Luis de la Fuente’s side – as Lionel Messi suffers tournament heartbreak

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 World Cup, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal under head coach Luis de la Fuente. The victory extends Spain's recent dominance in international football and brought a painful end to Lionel Messi's World Cup career, as the Argentine talisman was left in tears after his final chance at the trophy slipped away. The match, played in front of a global audience, was one of the most closely fought finals in recent memory, going all the way to extra time before Torres found the breakthrough.

The final whistle triggered ugly scenes as players from both sides clashed, with Argentina's players later turning their backs during Spain's trophy celebrations; a lip-reader claimed to have identified heated words directed at winning captain Rodri. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was visibly emotional in the post-match press conference, saying the defeat "hurt his soul", before leaving in tears. The occasion was further overshadowed by controversy surrounding FIFA president Gianni Infantino, including a disallowed Nico Williams goal that prompted sarcastic chants from Spanish fans, plus criticism of the tournament's halftime show and Donald Trump's presence at the trophy lift.