Spain 1-0 Argentina (AET) — World Champions Again
Substitute Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute to give Spain a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina at MetLife Stadium, sealing La Roja's second World Cup title and denying Lionel Messi one final crowning achievement.
The Final — Match Result
Ninety minutes couldn't separate the two best teams left in the tournament. Spain, unbeaten and defensively airtight all summer, absorbed Argentina's pressure without conceding, while Messi's side struggled to find the incision that had carried them through so many knockout comebacks (as it did against England in the semifinal). The breakthrough came deep into extra time: Ferran Torres, on as a 62nd-minute substitute for Mikel Oyarzabal, struck from close range in the 106th minute to send the Spanish bench into delirium.
A Night That Turned on Discipline
Argentina's task grew even harder when Enzo Fernández was sent off in the third minute of first-half stoppage time for a challenge on Spain's Pau Cubarsí, leaving the two-time reigning champions to play the entirety of extra time with ten men. Cards piled up on both sides as tension rose — Cristian Romero, Leandro Paredes and Alexis Mac Allister all picked up bookings — but it was Spain's control of possession and territory with the extra man that eventually told.
For Argentina, the defeat ends a bid to become the first men's team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 (the stakes going into this final for Messi), and likely closes the book on Messi's international career at this level (read more on the generational torch-passing to Spain's Lamine Yamal).
What It Means for Spain
This is Spain's second World Cup title, 16 years after their breakthrough win in South Africa in 2010. Coming into the final having already dismantled France 2-0 in the semifinal (full recap), Spain's route to the trophy was built on a defense that conceded only once all tournament — a level of control few champions in history have matched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ferran Torres, a 62nd-minute substitute, scored in the 106th minute of extra time to give Spain a 1-0 win.
Enzo Fernández was sent off in first-half stoppage time (90'+3') for a challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
No, it's their second. Spain also won the World Cup in 2010.
Just one across all eight matches — a record for a World Cup champion.