Spain secures second world cup title, Argentina’s Messi emotional after final defeat

By Arjun Nair / 20.07.2026

By Arjun Nair — 20 July 2026 — 3 min read

Spain’s tactical triumph over Argentina

Spain claimed their second World Cup title, defeating Argentina in a match where patience and coordinated pressing proved decisive. The European champions maintained their composure despite what was described as a tedious final, marked by Argentina’s physical play and attempts to disrupt Spain’s passing game. The referee, Slavko Vincic, allowed a degree of leniency, contributing to a first half that struggled for fluidity.

Argentina, unable to match Spain’s possession-based approach, relied on physicality. Their aim appeared to be to stifle the game before attempting to take control in the second half. However, Spain’s expertly coordinated pressing stifled Argentina, particularly in midfield where Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister were outplayed. This forced Lionel Scaloni to make a half-time substitution, bringing on Leandro Paredes for Nico González, though this change did not alter the match’s flow.

Argentina’s struggles and Messi’s limited impact

Argentina’s challenges were compounded by their inability to build play from the back, especially from the left side. Their reliance on Lionel Messi also proved to be a vulnerability, as Spain effectively cut off his supply and maintained an intense defensive pressure. Messi, at 39 years old, struggled to find space and shake off multiple Spanish defenders, leading to a largely subdued performance. There were no repetitions of the crosses that had been effective in the semi-final against England.

The situation worsened for Argentina when Enzo Fernández received two bookings, leading to his dismissal at the end of normal time, leaving Argentina with 10 men for extra time. Scaloni later substituted Julián Álvarez for Marcos Senesi, shifting to a back five, a move that some suggested removed a player who could have troubled Spain with his runs. Argentina’s attacking threat remained minimal, with their expected goals (xG) figure reaching only 0.22 even after a late flurry.

Argentina managed only 34.9% possession and six touches in Spain’s penalty area throughout the match. It took until the 117th minute for them to register their first shot, a long-range effort from Messi that was deflected wide. Despite Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emi Martínez, making 12 saves, including pushing away a Lamine Yamal free-kick, it was not enough to prevent Spain from securing the victory.

Spain’s decisive goal and emotional aftermath

Spain’s tactical approach and substitutions proved effective. Rodri was instrumental in midfield before being replaced by Martín Zubimendi in extra time. Luis de la Fuente’s changes, including bringing on Pedri for Fabián Ruiz and introducing Nico Williams for Álex Baena, added pace and stretched Argentina’s defence. The decisive goal came in the 106th minute when Pedro Porro delivered a deep cross, which Nico Williams headed back for substitute Ferran Torres to score with a left-footed finish.

The goal secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title, their first since 2010. For Lionel Messi, the defeat marked a heartbreaking end to his dream of winning consecutive World Cup titles. Images and videos of a tearful Messi after receiving his runner-up medal quickly circulated, prompting an emotional tribute from the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The AFA expressed gratitude for his dedication and magic, stating, “Your tears are our tears, Captain. You gave us the greatest joys of our lives. Thank you for the dedication, for the magic, and for giving it your all until the very last second. We love you forever, Leo!”

Messi was visibly emotional as he watched Spain celebrate their victory, bowing his head in disappointment. The match concluded Argentina’s reign as world champions, a title they had held since the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Source: theguardian.com