Spain are World Cup champions for the second time after a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in New Jersey. Ferran Torres came off the bench to score the winner, with Nico Williams setting him up after Argentina had been reduced to 10 players.
The final was framed by Spain’s control of the match and Argentina’s long defensive stand. Enzo Fernández’s dismissal late in stoppage time before extra time changed the balance further, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side trying to survive deep into the added period.
Torres was named Player of the Match, while Williams also shaped the outcome as a substitute after having an earlier extra-time effort ruled out. The source report also highlighted Emi Martínez’s saves as a major reason Argentina stayed alive for as long as they did.
For Lionel Messi, the match ended without the defining final act many had imagined. The ratings piece judged him to have had limited influence, but the broader story will likely focus as much on Spain’s bench impact and tournament-winning depth as on Argentina’s farewell disappointment.
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