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Spain have been crowned World Cup champions for the second time, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday night.
Substitute Ferran Torres proved the decisive figure, smashing the ball high into the net to break resolute Argentine resistance deep into extra time.
Argentina had defended with extraordinary discipline throughout the match, failing to register a single shot on goal before Torres finally put Spain ahead.
Lionel Messi, playing at 39 years of age, was rarely able to influence the match in what is widely expected to be his final appearance at a World Cup.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was instrumental in keeping Argentina in the contest, producing a string of fine saves including a top-drawer stop from a Lamine Yamal free kick late in normal time.
Argentina’s task became significantly harder when Enzo Fernandez, who had scored the equaliser against England in the semi-final, was sent off after foolishly fouling Pau Cubarsi while challenging for a ball racing away from him.
Fernandez had already been booked for dissent in the second half, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side to defend with ten men through the entire period of extra time.
Substitute Nico Williams thought he had broken the deadlock in the first half of extra time, slotting home after Martinez smothered a Mikel Merino effort, but the goal was disallowed after the Arsenal midfielder was judged to have fouled Nicolas Otamendi.
Torres ultimately delivered the winning moment when Williams headed a deep cross back into the box and the forward lashed it powerfully into the net to give Spain a deserved lead.
Torres believed he had doubled the advantage minutes later after Yamal set him clear through on goal and he coolly slotted home, but the linesman’s flag and a VAR review confirmed he had strayed marginally offside.
Argentina threw themselves forward in the closing stages, forcing a series of corners, though Giuliano Simeone wasted a golden chance by blasting well over the bar.
Spain held firm to secure victory, with ugly scenes following the final whistle as Argentina’s Paredes threw punches at celebrating Spanish players before the trophy presentation.
Manager Luis de la Fuente can now add the World Cup to Spain’s European Championship triumph in 2024, when they defeated England in Germany.
Individual honours were distributed widely among the Spanish squad, with Cubarsi claiming Young Player of the Tournament, Unai Simon taking the Golden Glove after conceding just one goal across eight games, and Rodri receiving the Player of the Tournament award.
Argentina captain Messi was visibly emotional after collecting his silver medal, tears running down his cheeks as he contemplated what many believe will be his final bow on the international stage.
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