EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Ferran Torres led Spain to its second championship with a thrilling overtime victory over reigning world champion Argentina. The final, however, was overshadowed by Enzo Fernandez’s red card for a reckless foul on Pau Kvarsi.
Barcelona forward Torres, a substitute introduced in the 62nd minute, scored Spain’s only goal of the match in the 106th minute. His close-range shot sealed a 1-0 victory for the European champions on Sunday.
The significance of the moment was not lost on Torres, who remarked, “The goal belonged to 47 million people. It wasn’t just about me or the 26 players. Destiny was written and it was meant for us to win by a long shot.”
Key Match Events
Argentina’s Chelsea midfielder Fernandez was sent off in the third minute of stoppage time, receiving his second yellow card. Referee Slavko Vincic’s decision reduced Argentina to ten men just as they were trying to mount a comeback.
Spain’s dominance was evident throughout the match, creating numerous scoring chances while Argentina struggled to get on the board. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made 11 remarkable saves, marking the highest tally for a World Cup final.
Despite Spain’s control, Argentina didn’t register their first shot until the 117th minute, when Lionel Messi’s attempt was blocked. At 39, Messi became the first player to start three World Cup finals and the oldest outfielder to feature in a final, finishing the tournament with eight goals—two shy of the Golden Boot winner, France’s Kylian Mbappe.
Although Messi has yet to confirm his future plans, he is likely to conclude his World Cup journey with 21 goals, just one behind Mbappe. After receiving his runner-up medal, the Argentine icon was visibly emotional, expressing, “I feel sad. To be honest, they were better.”
Argentina’s Quest Falls Short
Argentina aimed to emulate Brazil’s 1962 achievement of back-to-back World Cup victories but fell short against a well-organized Spain. Even Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, couldn’t penetrate Luis de la Fuente’s robust defense.
Coach Lionel Scaloni reflected on the loss, stating, “We are sad, but we know we left everything on the field. There’s much to be said about our journey here, and I’m eternally grateful to the team for another opportunity in a World Cup final.” Acknowledging Spain’s superiority, Scaloni added, “They were better, that’s the truth, but I will cherish the tremendous memories of what this group accomplished.”
This victory marked Spain’s first World Cup win since they triumphed over the Netherlands in 2010. Spain successfully resisted Argentina’s late-game pressure, finishing the tournament with a mere single goal conceded across eight matches, the fewest goals ever allowed by a World Cup champion.
De la Fuente, at 65 years of age, made history as the oldest coach to guide a team to World Cup glory. “We are world champions,” he said proudly. “This has been a shared journey, and I’m honored to stand alongside these players.”
Spain’s success also extends its unbeaten streak to 38 matches (29 wins, 9 draws), surpassing Italy’s record from 2018 to 2021. Moreover, they join the ranks of other reigning European champions to secure the World Cup title, following in the footsteps of West Germany in 1974 and 2010.
Amid the celebratory atmosphere, the closing ceremony featured a star-studded lineup, with Post Malone headlining and appearances by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and more. The event showcased not only soccer’s global reach but also brought together various sports and entertainment icons, further underscoring the prominence of this World Cup.
As Spain lifts the trophy, the spotlight shifts to the future, with plans for their next match against England at Wembley in September. This relentless team is clearly focused on maintaining their momentum in the international arena.
