Spain wins 2026 World Cup, ending Messi’s final tournament in defeat

Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19, defeating Lionel Messi's Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium. Ferran Torres secured the victory with a 106th-minute goal after Argentina had been reduced to 10 men.

Torres' strike came after sustained Spanish pressure. Pedro Porro's deep cross found Nico Williams at the back post, who headed the ball back to Torres, who finished past Argentina goalkeeper Gonzalo Martinez. Spain had recorded 20 shots before breaking through, with the majority coming after Argentina's red card in the 90th minute.

Argentina's path to the final as defending champions ended in disappointment. The team managed only one shot on goal until the 117th minute, leaving Messi isolated for much of the match. The 39-year-old forward, playing his sixth and likely final World Cup, had minimal impact on proceedings. Footage from the final whistle showed Messi in tears, facing the likelihood that another World Cup opportunity would not arrive before his competitive career ends.

Spain's victory marks their second World Cup title. The European champions dominated possession throughout the tournament and improved as the competition progressed. Pedro Porro, the Tottenham right-back, played a pivotal role in Spain's campaign, including the match-winning assist.

Argentina's attempt to become only the third nation to retain the World Cup fell short. The defending champions had won the 2022 tournament in Qatar and were seeking back-to-back titles, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962.

Messi's World Cup career, which began in 2006, included numerous standout performances across his six appearances. He has held multiple all-time records in the tournament before what appears to be his final participation.