Torres’ extra-time strike sinks Messi’s Argentina as Spain win World Cup

Ferran Torres was the hero for Spain, scoring a dramatic extra-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Argentina and clinch his nation’s second World Cup title.

The hard-fought win in a tense final brought an end to Argentina’s reign as world champions and denied Lionel Messi a fairytale ending to his international career. The victory also saw Spain set a new European record, extending their unbeaten streak to an impressive 38 matches.

Despite the high stakes, Spain began the match with confidence. They nearly found an early breakthrough when teenage star Lamine Yamal cut in from the right flank, but his deflected effort was smartly saved by the legs of Emiliano Martínez.

Following that initial scare, the first half settled into a cagey, tactical battle with few opportunities. The most notable incident was a heavy challenge from Alexis Mac Allister on Dani Olmo, which controversially went unpunished, sparking protests from the Spanish side.

Martinez keeps Argentina in the game

Martínez was the busier of the two goalkeepers, though he was rarely tested. He comfortably handled a long-range shot from Mikel Oyarzabal and watched as a Marc Cucurella strike flew just wide before the break. The first half concluded with a new, unwanted record for a World Cup final: the fewest shots on goal, with only three registered between both teams.

Spain ramped up the pressure after the restart. Martínez was nearly caught out in the 64th minute, fumbling a shot from Olmo before recovering just in time to push the ball to safety.

The Argentine keeper was called into action again moments later, making a sharp save to deny a close-range header from Ferran Torres. Even defender Pau Cubarsí tried his luck from distance, forcing Martínez to punch the powerful shot away.

Torres strikes late to win it

The match’s complexion changed dramatically in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández, already on a yellow card, was shown a second for a late tackle on Cubarsí. His dismissal made him only the sixth player to be sent off in a World Cup final.

With the man advantage, Spain pushed for a winner. Martínez produced a crucial save to deny Yamal with nearly the last kick of regulation, sending the final into extra time. Argentina’s challenge became immense, having failed to record a single shot in the entire 90 minutes—a first in the history of World Cup finals.

Spain thought they had broken the deadlock early in the extra period when Nico Williams found the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul by Mikel Merino in the build-up. However, Argentina’s resistance was finally broken in the 106th minute. Williams headed a cross down into the path of Ferran Torres, who reacted instinctively inside the box to fire a powerful shot into the roof of the net.

The goal was enough to seal Spain’s sixth win in their last seven major tournament finals. For Argentina and Messi, it was a heartbreaking conclusion, ending their dream of becoming the first team in 64 years to win consecutive World Cups.