WATCH: Spain players form guard of honor for Lionel Messi after FIFA World Cup victory | Football News
The players of Spain made one of the most important moments of sportsmanship after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026, becoming a guard of honor for the Lionel Messi and the Argentina squad as they collected their runners-up medals after the final at MetLife Stadium. Moments after securing a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, several Spanish players were the first to walk across the pitch to hug and console Messi, whose hopes of leading his country to back-to-back World Cup titles had just ended. The Barcelona legend, who struggled to make his usual impact against Spain’s disciplined defence, sank to the turf after the final whistle, looking off into the distance as the enormity of the defeat sank in. As the medal ceremony began, Spain’s newly crowned world champions lined up to form a guard of honor for Argentina’s players on their way to the podium. Messi, leading his teammates, tried to smile but couldn’t hide his disappointment as he walked down the line to the applause of the opponents. Several Spanish players patted him gently on the back and chest in a touching display of respect for one of football’s greatest icons. Emotional scenes unfolded after Spain ended Argentina’s reign as world champions with a hard-fought victory. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time after being set up by Nico Williams, giving La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title. For Messi, the defeat marked the end of his quest to become a two-time World Cup winner. Twenty years after making his World Cup debut, the 39-year-old was unable to inspire Argentina to become the first country in more than 50 years to successfully defend the trophy. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni gave an emotional tribute to his captain after the final. “I hope that everyone feels proud of him, of what he has achieved because he is the best football player to ever step on a pitch,” Scaloni said. Spain’s victory was built on complete control throughout the match. Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession, outscored Argentina 845-433 and finished with a commanding 20-2 advantage in shots, the second-largest shot differential recorded in a World Cup final since statistics began in 1966, according to Opta. The European champions also completed a remarkable tournament by conceding just one goal in eight matches while extending their unbeaten run to a European-record 38 matches. Messi, appearing in a record 34th World Cup game in six tournaments, found little joy against Spain’s organized defence. He managed just 15 touches in the opening half and 54 in total, rarely receiving the ball in dangerous areas. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente later revealed the team’s clear intentions. “The first idea was to stop Messi,” he said. While Spain celebrated with the World Cup trophy and gold confetti filled the air, Messi quietly left the field wearing his silver medal, shoulders slumped after another unforgettable chapter in one of football’s greatest careers came to a painful end.
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