Ferran Torres Fires Spain to World Cup Glory as Argentina Fall in Extra Time

Spain claimed the FIFA Men’s World Cup title after defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal to cap a dominant display in the tournament’s showpiece final.

Luis de la Fuente’s side dictated proceedings throughout, but Emiliano Martínez frustrated Spain with a series of remarkable saves before finally being beaten in the 106th minute. Nico Williams kept Pedro Porro’s cross alive at the back post, allowing Torres to smash home the winning goal and spark wild celebrations.

Spain finished the match with 20 attempts on goal, while Argentina managed only two efforts, both arriving as they desperately searched for an equaliser late in the contest.

Argentina’s task became even harder after Enzo Fernández was dismissed for a second bookable offence, forcing the defending champions to play the entirety of extra time with 10 men.

Messi’s only notable opportunity came in the 115th minute, but his effort struck Mikel Merino before reaching goal. Frustration boiled over after the final whistle as players from both sides clashed, with Leandro Paredes receiving a red card after pushing Gavi to the ground.

Scaloni: Spain Were the Better Team

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni acknowledged Spain’s superiority while praising his players for another memorable World Cup run.

“They were the better side — that’s the truth — but I’ll cherish the memory of this team, of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far,” Scaloni said.

“We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort.”

The defeat may also mark the end of Lionel Messi’s World Cup career. The 39-year-old helped guide Argentina to another final after overcoming Egypt and England in the knockout rounds, but Spain’s pace, pressing and technical quality ultimately proved decisive.

World Cup Ends with Entertainment and Records

The final delivered more than football, featuring the tournament’s inaugural half-time show with performances from Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS and Coldplay, as well as appearances by Brazilian greats Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. A moving tribute to Pelé and a performance of Seven Nation Army highlighted the celebrations.

The day before the final, England secured third place with an entertaining 6-4 victory over France, their highest World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.

France’s Kylian Mbappé claimed the Golden Boot with 10 goals, finishing two ahead of Messi and becoming the competition’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.

Although concerns over ticket prices, geopolitical tensions and the North American summer dominated the build-up, the first-ever 48-team World Cup concluded with widespread praise for its football, atmosphere and organisation. Former U.S. President Donald Trump hailed it as “the most successful sporting event, maybe in the history of the world.”

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