La Roja's extra-time winner in the final... Messi, with 8 goals, also lost his crown [2026 FIFA World Cup closes]

La Roja rose to the top as the final winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, showing a perfect balance between attack and defense. Argentina, meanwhile, and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF, who had hoped to win back-to-back World Cup titles for the first time in 64 years, ended their campaign in tears and deep disappointment.
Led by head coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain edged world No. 1 Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, State of New Jersey, on the 20th.
With the victory, Spain lifted the World Cup trophy for the second time in its history, 16 years after its triumph in South Africa in 2010. Coming on the heels of its recent UEFA Euro 2024 title, the team completed back-to-back major tournament wins and confirmed its status as the world's strongest side.
Spain also set a historic mark by allowing just one goal across eight matches in the tournament, the fewest ever by a World Cup champion. In addition, it became the first nation in history to hold both the men's and women's World Cup trophies at the same time.
The final showcased Spain's overwhelming organization and suffocating defense, which gave Argentina no room to breathe. Spain, led by 19-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, relentlessly pressed Argentina's half. Argentina escaped several dangerous moments thanks to a string of brilliant saves from Emiliano Martínez, but it was completely isolated in attack.
Argentina suffered an unprecedented humiliation in a World Cup final, failing to produce even a single shot during the 90 minutes of regulation time.
Argentina, already in trouble after defensive anchor Lisandro Martínez was forced off with an injury, was dealt a fatal blow when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 48th minute of the second half. The deadlock was finally broken in extra time. One minute into the second period of extra time, Nico Williams headed a diagonal cross into the path of Ferran Torres, who calmly finished with his left foot to send the tightly sealed Argentine net rippling.
Argentina, which had dreamed of winning back-to-back titles after Qatar in 2022, failed to overcome Spain's sturdy wall and fell short of a historic achievement after 64 years. Messi, who had battled on while setting a new record as the oldest outfield player ever in a World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, ultimately failed to capture a second World Cup title. After receiving his silver medal from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump, Messi was overcome with emotion and cried uncontrollably. As Spain's victory celebration began, he quietly left the pitch through the tunnel.
Meanwhile, Rodri, Spain's midfield general, was named the tournament's best player and received the Golden Ball. It was the first time a Spanish player had won the award. Messi, who finished with eight goals and four assists in the tournament, settled for the Silver Ball, while France's Kylian Mbappé, who produced a stunning 10 goals and four assists, won the Bronze Ball along with a second straight Golden Boot.
Spain also swept the Young Player Award, won by Pau Cubarsí, and the Golden Glove, awarded to Unai Simón, enjoying a double celebration. The team also collected a massive $50 million in prize money for the title. Runner-up Argentina had to settle for $33 million.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter