Spain won their second FIFA World Cup title after Ferran Torres hit a late extra-time winner to break Argentina’s resistance in a dramatic finale. Lionel MessiThe 10-man team did not become 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 give La Roja a 1-0 win over defending champions Argentina and deny Messi another World Cup fairytale.After 105 minutes of relentless pressure, missed chances and heroic Argentinian 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 recovered the ball in 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 competition. La Roja controlled possession, created most of the chances and repeatedly tested Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who had kept his team alive with a record performance in the final.Argentina, who were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez’s red card in normal time, were left chasing the game with a numerical disadvantage and little attacking threat.
Messi’s last World Cup ends in a heartbreaker as Argentina struggle with 10 men
The final looked destined for penalties after both teams failed to break the deadlock in 90 minutes and the first half of extra time.Spain had also seen a goal clear earlier in extra time when Nico Williams found the net, but the referee ruled that Mikel Merino had fouled Nicolas Otamendi before the end.However, Argentina’s resilience 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 equalizer in their semi-final win over England, protested the decision but referee Slavko Vincic did not hesitate.With 10 players on the field, 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 straight 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 defense successfully contained the Argentine superstar.The defeat also ended Argentina’s amazing run as reigning champions after their dramatic penalty shootout victory over France in the 2022 final in Qatar.Meanwhile, Spain completed a comeback from the golden era 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.