Spain End Messi’s World Cup Dream, Beat 10-Man Argentina to Lift Trophy [Video]

Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after defeating 10-man Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense and hard-fought final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to hand La Roja football’s biggest prize.

Philips News reports that the FIFA World Cup 2026 final lived up to its billing as two of the world’s best teams battled for global supremacy, with Spain dominating possession for long spells and looking the more threatening side throughout the contest, while Argentina struggled to create meaningful openings despite the presence of Lionel Messi. Neither side, however, could find a breakthrough during the 90 minutes of regulation time, forcing the final into extra time.

This newspaper understands that a major turning point of the game came deep into stoppage time when Argentina were reduced to 10 men after Midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card in the 90+3rd minute after another reckless challenge, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s men to play the remainder of the final with a numerical disadvantage and handing Spain the momentum going into extra time.

Argentina found it difficult to break down Spain’s disciplined defence throughout the match, as the South Americans managed just two shots in the entire 120 minutes, with neither effort on target, highlighting Spain’s defensive dominance as La Roja successfully neutralised Messi and the rest of Argentina’s attacking threats.

Spain finally made their superiority count in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres broke the deadlock. The forward calmly finished after meeting a sublime headed pass from Nico Williams, sending the Spanish players and supporters into jubilant celebrations as La Roja moved within touching distance of the World Cup trophy.

Despite being a man down, Argentina threw bodies forward in the closing stages in search of a dramatic equaliser. Spain, however, remained organised defensively and comfortably protected their slender lead, denying Argentina any clear opportunity to force penalties before the referee brought the contest to an end.

The final whistle confirmed Spain as FIFA World Cup 2026 champions, capping a remarkable campaign built on tactical discipline and defensive excellence. Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner and Nico Williams’ brilliant headed assist proved decisive, while Enzo Fernández’s late dismissal dealt a significant blow to Argentina’s hopes.

Watch the video below…

FERRAN TORRES GOAL !!!!!!!!!

SPAIN WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS SOON pic.twitter.com/1n5zjhzZmN https://t.co/Rcd0BcAVAn

— Janty (@CFC_Janty) July 19, 2026

Meanwhile, PhilipsNews reports that Spain also completed one of the greatest defensive runs in World Cup history, conceding just one goal in seven matches on their way to lifting the trophy.

WORLD CUP 2026 AWARDS:

BEST PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT Award: Rodri [Spain]

BEST GK OF THE TOURNAMENT Award: Unai Simón [Spain]

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT Award: Pau Cubarsí [Spain]

GOLDEN BOOT [HIGHEST GOAL SCORER]: MBAPPE [France].