NEW DELHI: Will Lionel Messi retire? Was the 2026 FIFA World Cup final his last appearance on football’s biggest stage? These questions dominated the discussions as Argentina took on Spain in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Argentina’s title defense ended with a 1-0 extra-time defeat, but coach Lionel Scaloni made it clear that Messi’s future would be entirely his decision. After the final, Scaloni praised the 39-year-old captain and said Messi will continue to play as much as he wants.“Well, he is 39 years old now. Incredible. There is nothing new to discover from my side. It was crystal clear for me that he will play until he decided to do it, and that all the players of the team, his teammates, and all his people will support him. And I’m sure I hope everyone feels proud of him, of what he’s achieved, because he’s the best football player ever,” Scaloni said, as quoted by The Athletic.Scaloni’s comments came after Argentina fell short in their bid to defend the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022.
Spain ends the rule of Argentina
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift their second FIFA World Cup title and their first since 2010.Substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game in the 106th minute, beating Emiliano Martinez with a powerful finish after a move involving Lamine Yamal, Pedro Porro and Nico Williams.The win completed a remarkable campaign for Spain, who went unbeaten throughout the tournament and conceded just one goal in eight games.
Torres and Yamal shine for Spain
Torres also made history by becoming only the fifth substitute to score in a FIFA World Cup final and the first since Germany’s Mario Götze scored the winner against Argentina in the 2014 final.He also became the second Barcelona player to score in a World Cup final after Andres Iniesta’s extra-time winner for Spain in 2010.Nineteen-year-old Lamine Yamal lifted the World Cup in the biggest moment of his young career, just two years after helping Spain win UEFA Euro 2024.
The complete effort of the Spain team
Spain’s title-winning campaign was built on strong performances throughout the squad.Rodri controlled the midfield throughout the tournament, Mikel Oyarzabal finished with five goals to finish among the top scorers, while goalkeeper Unai Simon won the Golden Glove after a string of impressive performances.Spain opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Cape Verde before beating Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0 in Group H.They then beat Austria 3–0 in the round of 16, beat Portugal 1–0 in the round of 16, beat Belgium 2–1 in the quarter-finals and defeated France 2–0 in the semi-finals.In the final, Spain dominated possession, created far more chances than Argentina and defeated the defending champions to seal another World Cup crown.