Spain ousts Argentina to win FIFA World Cup 2026! Ferran Torres gave extra-time misery to Messi’s 10-man side | Football News
Spain won their second FIFA World Cup title after Ferran Torres scored a late extra-time winner to break Argentina’s resistance in a dramatic final. Lionel MessiThe 10-man side failed to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup crown.Spain finally found success after a tense and dramatic contest when Torres scored in the 106th minute to give La Roja a 1-0 win over defending champions Argentina and deny Messi another World Cup fairytale.After 105 minutes of relentless pressure, missed chances and heroic Argentine resistance, Torres delivered the decisive blow just 37 seconds after the start of the second period of extra time.The goal came from a good team move. Pedro Porro sent a deep cross into the box, Nico Williams flicked the ball back into the danger zone, and Torres arrived late to smash the finish into the roof of the net.Celebrations erupted in Spain as Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup title ended.The goal was the reward for Spain’s dominance throughout the match. La Roja controlled possession, created most of the chances and repeatedly tested Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who kept his side alive with a record-breaking performance in the final.Argentina, who were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez’s late red card in normal time, were left chasing the game with a numerical disadvantage and little attacking threat.
Messi’s last World Cup ended in heartbreak as Argentina fielded 10 men
The final appeared destined for penalties after both teams failed to break the deadlock in 90 minutes and in the first half of extra time.Spain even had a goal disallowed earlier in extra time when Nico Williams found the net, but the referee ruled that Mikel Merino had been fouled by Nicolas Otamendi before the end.However, Argentina’s resistance suffered a major blow before extra time when Fernandez was sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi.The midfielder, who scored Argentina’s equalizer in their semifinal victory over England, protested the decision, but referee Slavko Vincic showed no doubt.With 10 players on the pitch, Argentina was forced into a defensive approach. Coach Lionel Scaloni even replaced Julian Alvarez with defender Marcos Senesi as Spain’s push continued.The defeat ended Argentina’s quest for a fourth World Cup title and denied Messi the chance to lift the trophy for a second consecutive tournament.Messi, playing in what many expected to be his last World Cup appearance, struggled to influence the match as Spain’s midfield and defense successfully contained the Argentine superstar.The defeat also ended Argentina’s remarkable run as reigning champions following their dramatic penalty shootout victory over France in the 2022 final in Qatar.Spain, meanwhile, completed a golden era revival by securing their second World Cup title after their famous 2010 victory in South Africa.The win also capped off a remarkable tournament for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who became the first player to appear in a UEFA European Championship final and a FIFA World Cup final as a teenager.
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