Lionel Messi left in tears after receiving a silver for their performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they ended in the second place. Spain defeated the reigning champions 1-0 in extra time. The winning goal was hit by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute to hand Luis de la Fuente’s side their second world cup crown and end Argentina’s feat. The match ended on a heated note, with emotions running high and tempers flaring after the final whistle.
Just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time, they finally found the decisive opening. Pedro Porro delivered a deep cross from the right, Nico Williams headed the ball back across the face of the goal, and Ferran Torres arrived smashed it into the roof of the net- and the rest is history.
The tone was dictated since the whistle blew. Spain monopolized, moved the ball with purpose and forced Argentina into a deep, combat defensive shape. The final remained deadlock after 90 minutes as Lionel Messi’s side kept Spain at bay, but their task became significantly harder when Enzo Fernandez was sent off receiving the yellow card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi. Argentina were forced to play the majority of extra time with ten men. Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal all tested Emiliano Martinez during the first half, but the Argentina goalkeeper produced a series of important saves to keep the score level. Argentina, true to their identity under Lionel Scaloni, remained organised and looked dangerous on the counter, yet clear-cut chances proved scarce.
Spain continued to probe and push in the second half while Argentina absorbed pressure and waited for moments of transition. The game grew increasingly physical as both sides recognised the magnitude of the occasion. In the first period of extra time, Nico Williams thought he had given Spain the lead when he finished after a scramble involving Mikel Merino and Martinez. However, the goal was disallowed after the video assistant referee confirmed that Merino had stepped on Nicolas Otamendi’s toe in the build-up.
One of the major field headlines during the world cup finale was the presence of Trump. Trump arrived at the New York New Jersey stadium via his Marine One helicopter and attended the entire match. He later entered the field along with FIFA president Gianni Infantino to hand over the trophy.
Donald Trump handed over the winners’ trophy to Spain captain Rodri, who then proceeded to lift the trophy along with his teammates. However, Trump didn’t step off the stage and remained with the players until the officials urged him to leave