Lionel Messi’s pursuit of a second FIFA World Cup title came to an end as Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A decisive goal from substitute Ferran Torres in the 106th minute secured Spain’s second world title, marking the country’s first World Cup triumph since 2010.

Spain controlled much of the final from the opening whistle, enjoying greater possession, creating more attacking opportunities and dictating the tempo throughout the match. Despite a goalless 90 minutes, La Roja maintained their dominance into extra time before finally finding the breakthrough.

The winning goal arrived in the second half of extra time when Nico Williams delivered a well-timed pass to Ferran Torres, who fired a powerful left-footed shot past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The strike proved enough to crown Spain world champions once again.

Spain had threatened much earlier in the contest. Within five minutes, Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo combined to create the first clear opportunity, but Lisandro Martínez and Emiliano Martínez denied what looked like a certain goal. Throughout the first half, Spain enjoyed approximately 65 percent possession and managed two shots on target, while Argentina failed to register a single effort on target. Spain’s aggressive pressing and the composed goalkeeping of Unai Simón kept Lionel Scaloni’s side under constant pressure.

After the break, Argentina introduced several substitutions in an attempt to regain momentum. However, Spain’s disciplined defensive structure prevented the reigning champions from creating meaningful chances. At the other end, Dani Olmo, Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres repeatedly tested Emiliano Martínez, who produced a series of crucial saves to keep Argentina in the contest.

During the first period of extra time, Nico Williams found the net, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up. Spain continued to press and eventually broke the deadlock in the 106th minute. Following an attacking move initiated by Pedro Porro, Nico Williams squared the ball to Torres, who calmly converted the opportunity.

Argentina struggled to respond after conceding. Lionel Messi’s side failed to record a shot on target until the 116th minute, highlighting Spain’s defensive dominance throughout the final. The challenge became even greater after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card late in the match, reducing Argentina to ten men for the closing stages.

The defeat also ended Argentina’s bid to become only the third nation in history to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles. For 39-year-old Lionel Messi, the loss leaves his dream of capturing a second World Cup trophy unfulfilled. The final may also represent the legendary Argentine captain’s last appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Spain, meanwhile, completed a tournament defined by consistency, tactical discipline and attacking quality. Their performances throughout the competition culminated in a deserved victory in the final, restoring the World Cup trophy to Spanish hands for the first time since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.

With the victory, Spain claimed their second FIFA World Cup title, while Argentina, champions in 2022, were forced to settle for runners-up after falling short in New York.