2026 FIFA World Cup Final: Argentina - Spain

2026 FIFA World Cup Final will be the match between the Argentina National Football Team and the Spain National Football Team to determine the champion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The final, the 104th and final match of the tournament, will be played on Sunday 19 July 2026 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in New Jersey United States (MetLife Stadium). The match will kick off at 15:00 local time, 15:00 New York time, 21:00 Madrid time and 16:00 Buenos Aires time. The kickoff time in Türkiye time has been announced as 22:00.

The Spain National Football Team competed in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the group stage, Spain drew 0-0 in their opening match against surprise team Cape Verde, then defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 and topped the group by beating Uruguay 1-0. In the Round of 32 Spain defeated Austria 3-0, then beat Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 with a goal by Mikel Merino, and followed this with a 2-1 victory over Belgium in the quarterfinals, again with a last-minute goal by Merino. The goal conceded against Belgium was Spain’s only goal conceded in the tournament. In the semifinal Spain defeated France 2-0, reaching the World Cup final for the first time since winning the tournament in 2010. Spain’s official tournament statistics consist of six wins one draw and no defeats 13 goals scored and one goal conceded.

The Argentina National Football Team secured three consecutive victories in the group stage. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria followed by 2-0 victories over Austria and 3-1 over Jordan to complete the group stage undefeated. In the Round of 32 Argentina faced a tough match against Cape Verde that went to extra time and ended 3-2 in their favor. In the Round of 16 Argentina trailed 2-0 to Egypt until the 79th minute before turning the match around to win 3-2. In the quarterfinals Argentina faced Switzerland and after the opponent was reduced to ten men with the score at 1-1 the match went to extra time; goals by Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez secured a 3-1 victory. In the semifinal Argentina defeated England 2-1 to reach the final for the first time since winning the 2022 Qatar tournament four years ago. Argentina’s official tournament statistics consist of seven wins zero draws and zero defeats 19 goals scored and seven goals conceded.

^{İspanya-Fransa yarı final (AA)}

The first semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was played on 14 July 2026 at the Dallas Stadium between Spain and France. In the 20th minute of the match an attack by Spain led to Lamine Yamal being brought down in the penalty area by Theo Digne prompting referee Ivan Barton to point to the penalty spot. In the 22nd minute Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty sending the ball into the net past goalkeeper Mike Maignan to give Spain a 1-0 lead. In the second half in the 58th minute Pedro Porro combined with Dani Olmo on the right flank entered the penalty area and fired the ball past Maignan to make the score 2-0. The match ended with this score and Spain advanced to the final in front of a 70 000-strong crowd at the Dallas Stadium. France’s star player Kylian Mbappe failed to score in this match against Spain despite 15 touches of the ball with only one of those contacts occurring inside the penalty area. Lamine Yamal’s goal was not counted due to an offside decision by the assistant referee.

Following the match Spain extended their historic unbeaten run to 37 matches with 27 wins and nine draws in their last 36 games. Spain’s last defeat came in a friendly match in London on 22 March 2024 when they lost 1-0 to Colombia. Additionally French head coach Didier Deschamps became the manager with the most appearances in World Cup history; at age 57 he coached his 26th match in this tournament surpassing the previous record of 25 matches held by German coach Helmut Schön who coached between 1966 and 1978. Deschamps who has announced he will step down after the tournament saw this match as his final game in charge of the French national team. France had won the 2018 Russia World Cup and lost the 2022 Qatar final to Argentina on penalties; in 2026 France reached the semifinals for the third consecutive time but failed to reach the final.

^{İspanya-Fransa yarı final (AA)}

After the match French head coach Didier Deschamps stated that his team played better in the second half but lacked technical precision and energy and that Spanish players successfully disrupted attacks by reading passes and interventions. Spanish head coach Luis de la Fuente said they remained faithful to a philosophy established four years ago that they faced one of the world’s best national teams and that their players demonstrated commitment solidarity generosity and talent.

^{Arjantin-İngiltere yarı final (AA)}

The second semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was played on 15 July 2026 at the Atlanta Stadium between Argentina and England. In the first half both teams struggled to create effective attacks. England took the lead in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers delivered a cross from the right flank to the back post and Anthony Gordon struck the ball into the net to make it 1-0. After falling behind Argentina became more effective in attack. In the 69th minute Nicolas Gonzalez headed a cross from Messi’s pass but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford cleared the ball. In the 76th minute Alexis Mac Allister’s header from a De Paul cross struck the post. Argentina found the equalizer in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernandez received a pass from Messi in front of the penalty area and fired a powerful shot from the left corner into the net to make it 1-1. In the 90+2 minute Messi delivered a cross from the right flank to the back post and Lautaro Martinez headed the ball in to give Argentina a 2-1 lead. The match ended with this score and Argentina secured their place in the final.

Following the match several statistical records emerged. Argentina won the match in normal time despite trailing until the 85th minute against England; this marked the latest-minute comeback victory in World Cup semifinal history. Only two teams have lost a World Cup semifinal after taking the lead in the 21st century and both are England (in 2018 against Croatia and in 2026 against Argentina). Enzo Fernandez’s equalizer was Argentina’s fifth goal from outside the penalty area in the 2026 FIFA World Cup matching the highest number of such goals scored by any team in a single World Cup since 1966. The first shot of the match came from John Stones of England in the 33rd minute making it the latest first shot in a FIFA World Cup match since 1966. Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 55th minute was England’s first on-target shot of the match and also their second overall shot. Harry Kane made his 121st appearance for the England national team across all competitions becoming the most capped outfield player in Three Lions history.

^{Arjantin-İngiltere yarı final (AA)}

After the match English head coach Thomas Tuchel said it was a very close match and that their 1-0 lead was deserved but the momentum shifted as Argentina took more risks and won the individual duels. Argentine head coach Lionel Scaloni said the victory was proof of brotherhood perseverance and fighting until the end and expressed gratitude to his players and especially to those who did not take the field but provided support.

Argentina and Spain have faced each other 14 times in total including official matches and friendlies. Sources vary on the exact results: some state that both teams have won six matches each with two draws; others indicate Spain has won seven Argentina six and one match ended in a draw. Their only official World Cup meeting occurred in the group stage of the 1966 World Cup at Villa Park where Argentina won 2-1; Argentine striker Luis Artime scored both goals and Spain’s goal came from Pirri. Spain failed to advance from the group stage in that tournament while Argentina was eliminated by England in the quarterfinals. None of the players on the field in that match are part of the squads for the 2026 final; Argentine head coach Lionel Scaloni had not yet been born and Spanish head coach Luis de la Fuente was only five years old.

Other known matches between the two teams are as follows: Argentina defeated Spain 2-1 in a friendly in 1966; the 1974 friendly ended 1-1; Argentina won 2-0 in a 1995 friendly; Spain won 2-1 in a 2006 friendly; Spain won 2-1 in a 2009 friendly; Argentina won 4-1 in a 2010 friendly; Spain won 6-1 in a 2018 friendly in Madrid; and Argentina won 2-1 in a 2024 friendly. The most recent meeting between the two teams was in March 2018 when Lionel Scaloni was part of Jorge Sampaoli’s coaching staff and Spain was coached by Julen Lopetegui who later left his position before the 2018 World Cup.

Argentina and Spain were scheduled to meet in March 2026 in Doha Qatar in the Finalissima (CONMEBOL-UEFA Champions Cup) as champions of South America and Europe respectively; however this match was canceled due to security developments in the Middle East Iran’s intensified attacks on neighboring countries and the ongoing state of war. As a result the two teams will face each other in the world’s biggest football competition at the New Jersey stadium rather than at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar where the 2022 World Cup final was held. The two teams have never met in a World Cup qualifying match; the 2026 final is therefore the first-ever World Cup qualifying match between them.

Spain faced three teams ranked in the top 10 of the FIFA World Rankings during the tournament: Belgium (8th) Portugal (7th) and France (2nd); this is more top-ranked opponents than any other team faced in the 2026 tournament. Yet Spain conceded only one goal while keeping six clean sheets; this is the highest number of clean sheets by any team in a single World Cup. Goalkeeper Unai Simon was instrumental in this achievement with six clean sheets; it was noted that Simon made his first save against France only in the 82nd minute. Defender Rodri the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is also cited as another key contributor to this defensive performance.

Argentina scored 19 goals in the tournament making them the top-scoring team two goals ahead of the second-placed team. Half of Argentina’s goals were scored after the 75th minute. Argentina’s star striker Lionel Messi scored eight goals in seven matches and added four assists placing him at the top of the goalscoring race. Messi is followed by France’s Kylian Mbappe with eight goals and three assists; Norway’s Erling Haaland who was eliminated from the tournament scored seven goals while Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane each have six goals. Lionel Messi has now scored or provided an assist in all 13 of his most recent club and international matches; this is the second-longest such streak of his career. His longest streak was a 14-match run that ended in March 2011.

Argentina has reached the World Cup final for the seventh time in history placing them second behind Germany who have reached eight finals. Argentina has now reached the final for the second consecutive time since 1986 and 1990. Spain has reached the final for the second time since their sole title win in 2010.

^{Messi ve Yamal (}gdh spor⁾

The 2026 World Cup final will be the first time Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal face each other on the pitch. It has been reported that the baby pictured with Messi in a 2007 UNICEF photo is Lamine Yamal and that this image resurfaced during the tournament. Messi currently plays for Inter Miami after spending the majority of his career at FC Barcelona; Yamal began his professional career after coming through the same club’s La Masia academy. Messi lived in Barcelona for 21 years and donned the club’s professional jersey in 2004.

^{Argentine players display a banner reading "The Falkland Islands belong to Argentina" (AA)}

After Argentina defeated England to reach the final Giovani Lo Celso and Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falkland Islands are Argentine) in the stands at Atlanta Stadium and brought it onto the pitch amid great celebration. The International Football Association Board and FIFA rules prohibit the display of political flags slogans or symbols on the field. FIFA has indicated it may impose sanctions on Argentina if the banner is deemed political based on the match report. In 2014 FIFA fined the Argentine Football Association 20 000 pounds sterling after players displayed a banner with the same message before a friendly match against Slovenia. Argentine head coach Lionel Scaloni when asked about the incident said it was a football match and that events should not be conflated that this period in history is deeply tragic and that Argentines always remember those they have lost.

It has been alleged that the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a halftime show similar to the NFL’s Super Bowl. According to reports the halftime break is expected to be extended from the standard 15 minutes to approximately 30 minutes. Madonna Shakira Justin Bieber and BTS are expected to perform while the band Coldplay is said to have supported the production process. FIFA has previously implemented a similar approach at the Club World Cup final and is said to have developed a more comprehensive show for the World Cup final based on that experience.

^{İspanya Teknik Direktörü Luis de la Fuente (AA)}

Spanish head coach Luis de la Fuente said following their advancement to the final that the pressure they feel stems not from being favorites but from their responsibility to their country and its people. Before the semifinal he stated they had studied France closely and that their aim was to impose their style on the opponent and control their strengths. De la Fuente added that he told 19-year-old Lamine Yamal to remain calm enjoy the moment and stay free of anxiety.

^{Arjantin Teknik Direktörü Lionel Scaloni (AA)}

Argentine head coach Lionel Scaloni said after the victory over England that his only feeling was emotion and that he experienced boundless joy on behalf of the people countries and teams. Regarding their final opponent Spain he said Spain is a wonderful team that Argentina is ready for and that this final will be one that people will enjoy. Scaloni added that Luis de la Fuente was one of his coaches during his technical director training and that they share a special relationship. Scaloni also noted that he lives in Spain and has a Spanish family but that he will be trying to win on final day.

Argentina’s star player Lionel Messi said after the victory over England that they felt differently from the moment they sang their national anthem and reiterated the same message he gave fans after the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Messi said they have been preparing for the World Cup for nearly a year and spent December training nonstop in Argentina. Messi referred to five consecutive finals and two consecutive World Cup finals saying their team has been the best over the last four years and dedicated this victory to Diego Maradona.

English head coach Thomas Tuchel said before the semifinal that the match against Argentina would be intense and emotional. Speaking about Messi Tuchel said it was incredible how Messi carried his team and that words were inadequate to describe it. After the semifinal defeat he said they were very close to the final but gave too many chances to their opponents and struggled without possession. Tuchel also reminded that England will play France in the third-place match on 19 July.

The match was played on Sunday 19 July 2026 at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in New Jersey, United States. The final, held in the 80,000-seat stadium, was the 104th and final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match was officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic.

The match brought together European champion Spain and South American champion Argentina. Both teams occupied the top two positions in the FIFA World Rankings and had advanced to the final without losing a single match.

^{Spain's Victory (Anadolu Agency)}

Both teams started the match cautiously. Spain was the team that controlled the game from start to finish. Spain’s clearest chance in the first half came in the 5th minute; after Dani Olmo played a pass to the unmarked Lamine Yamal on the right side of the penalty area, Yamal’s low shot struck the near post and was saved by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. In the latter stages of the first half, Spain maintained control but struggled to find space against Argentina’s deep and resolute defense. As halftime approached, Mikel Oyarzabal’s shot was blocked by Martinez, while Marc Cucurella’s strike went wide. Rodri and Cucurella also failed to score with their attempts. Argentina did not register a single shot on target in the first half.

Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni faced difficulties as both center-backs suffered injuries during the match; shortly before halftime, Lisandro Martinez was replaced by Nicolás Otamendi, and in the 70th minute, Cristian Romero was substituted by Facundo Medina.

Spain continued to dominate in the second half. Attempting to exploit the flanks, Spain remained the team pressing all the questions. In the 67th minute, Yamal created a superb opportunity for Ferran Torres, but Torres headed the ball too close to Martinez. Substitutes Pau Cubarsí, Pedri, and Nico Williams forced several saves from the Argentine goalkeeper; the pressure peaked in stoppage time when Martinez made a spectacular diving save to deny Yamal’s free kick. Despite scoring 19 goals on their way to the final, Argentina failed to register a single shot on target throughout the entire match due to Spain’s overwhelming control. Lionel Messi was unable to replicate the impact he had shown in earlier rounds.

Spain’s efforts yielded no result in regular time, forcing the match into extra time. The pattern continued in extra time: Martinez saved Williams’ header, and Mikel Merino’s shot went wide. During this period, goals by both Williams and Torres were disallowed. Between these incidents, Torres experienced the decisive moment that would return Spain to the pinnacle of world football.

^{Ferran Torres (Anadolu Ajansı)}

In the 106th minute of extra time, Spain launched an attack from the right flank. Pedro Porro’s cross was headed by Nico Williams onto the back post, dropping the ball directly in front of Ferran Torres. Torres struck a powerful first-time shot that found the top corner of the net, giving Spain a 1-0 lead. No further goals were scored in the remaining time and Spain became the World Cup champions.

In the third minute of second-half stoppage time (90+3), Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card and was sent off for his challenge on Pau Cubarsí. Fernandez had first been cautioned for dissent, then received his second yellow for an extremely late and reckless tackle that sent Cubarsí tumbling; it was noted that he did not look at the ball during the challenge. With this red card, Argentina played the remainder of extra time with ten men.

^{Enzo Fernández's Objection (Anadolu Agency)}

Spain held a 60% to 32% advantage in possession, with the remaining 8% contested. Spain recorded an expected goals (xG) value of 1.94, took 20 shots, and 11 of them were on target. Argentina managed only two shots total, none of which were on target.^【1】 Argentina became the first team in history to go the full 90 minutes of a World Cup final without registering a single shot; their first attempt came in the 117th minute from Lionel Messi and was off target.

In terms of shot statistics, Spain’s 20 shots included 12 on target and 8 off target; 8 were from inside the penalty area and 12 from outside. Argentina’s two shots were both off target; one came from inside the penalty area and one from outside.

In goal statistics, Spain scored one goal and conceded none; the goal came from inside the penalty area and was assisted. Argentina conceded one goal.

In passing, Spain attempted 878 passes and completed 789; Argentina attempted 476 passes and completed 375. Spain made 24 crosses and completed 4; Argentina made 9 crosses and completed 1. Spain completed 13 directional changes, while Argentina completed 5. In the final trio, Argentina made 464 passes total while Spain made 852.^【3】

In discipline, Spain received no yellow cards while Argentina received six yellow cards and one red card. Spain committed 21 fouls, Argentina 25. Spain was offside once, Argentina five times. Four Argentine players received yellow cards.^【4】

In set pieces, Spain earned nine corner kicks and Argentina four; both teams won 25 free kicks each. Neither team was awarded a penalty.^【5】

In attacking entries, Spain made 29 entries from the left flank, 10 from the left inside corridor, 13 from the central corridor, 12 from the right inside corridor, and 37 from the right flank; Argentina made 15, 0, 5, 5, and 11 entries respectively.

In defensive statistics, neither team scored an own goal. Spain forced 56 turnovers, Argentina 54. Spain applied 300 pressures, Argentina 445.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made 11 saves during the match, the highest number of saves ever recorded by a goalkeeper in a World Cup final.

The two teams had met four times previously in history, with Spain winning one match, Argentina winning one, and two ending in draws.

For the first time in tournament history, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final featured a halftime stage show modeled after the Super Bowl productions of the American football league NFL. Together with the closing ceremony, the final became a celebration uniting football, culture, and entertainment. The show was curated by Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin.

The closing ceremony began with IShowSpeed performing the World Cup anthem “Champions.” IShowSpeed, one of the first performers on the pitch, was accompanied by drummers and dancers dressed in colorful tracksuits. Opera tenor Christopher Macchio then contributed a special rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Post Malone and Swae Lee performed their hit song “Sunflower” together. FIFA Music Ambassador Robbie Williams joined Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer Laura Pausini on stage to perform the official FIFA anthem “Desire.”

Andres Iniesta (Spain, 2010) and Mario Kempes (Argentina, 1978), former World Cup winners, appeared on the pitch to present the trophy. Actor Tom Cruise concluded the ceremony with a speech highlighting moments from around the world and the tournament’s power to unite people. Cruise referenced the 39-day football journey spanning three host nations, 16 host cities, and 104 matches. He told the audience that football is a language spoken without words and a force that brings people together.

As the players entered the pitch, both finalists’ national anthems were performed. Spain’s national anthem, “La Marcha Real,” was played by Spanish trombonist Indalecio “Inda” Bonet accompanied by the renowned ensemble Spanish Brass. Argentina’s national anthem, “Himno Nacional Argentino,” was sung by Argentine artist Maria Becerra.

Following this, renowned ring announcers Bruce Buffer and Michael Buffer entered the pitch to introduce the teams.

After the goalless first 45 minutes, the tournament’s first-ever halftime show, the Topps Final Halftime Show, took place. Madonna opened the show with her hit song “Music.” She appeared to emerge from tunnels beneath the stadium, accompanied by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, both former World Cup winners.

The Muppets then performed “Seven Nation Army,” with the character Animal taking part in the performance. Global stars BTS delivered an energetic rendition of “Dynamite.” Members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook performed on stage. Jason Sudeikis, portraying his Ted Lasso character, made a surprise appearance to give Justin Bieber a pep talk; Bieber then performed a special version of “Everything Hallelujah,” featuring World Cup-themed lyrics. Bieber played guitar during his segment.

Shakira, who opened the tournament in Mexico City on 11 June, and Nigerian musician Burna Boy reunited on the same stage to perform the official 2026 FIFA World Cup song “Dai Dai.”

The show reached an emotional climax with a finale featuring the PS22 Chorus, a live band, and characters from The Muppets and Sesame Street, including Kermit and Miss Piggy. Curator Chris Martin emerged on stage to perform his original song “We Dance.” The halftime show ended with a dazzling fireworks display.

Due to its extended duration, the halftime show caused the second half to begin 27 minutes after the first half ended, resulting in a 12-minute delay. The halftime lasted a total of 27 minutes and 22 seconds, making it the longest in World Cup history. According to International Football Association Board (IFAB) rules, halftime must not exceed 15 minutes. FIFA had previously announced that the halftime performance would last 11 minutes.

Proceeds from the show were designated for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million globally to support children’s education. FIFA stated that this goal is to “provide quality education and football opportunities to children worldwide.”

Immediately after the final whistle, a scuffle broke out between players from Spain and Argentina. Leandro Paredes, who came on in the second half, was the main instigator; he clashed with Rodri, Gavi, and Borja Iglesias. It was reported that Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and that Gavi was thrown to the ground during the incident. Argentine player Nahuel Molina was also seen attempting to punch a Spanish player as he ran past.

Tensions had also surfaced before the match. Messi implied that referee should send off Marc Cucurella after Cucurella brought his hand to his mouth while speaking to Messi; this gesture had been penalized with a red card during this World Cup when used in a confrontational manner.

Following the match, awards were presented during the trophy ceremony. Argentina, as runners-up, received their medals one by one, watched by the champion Spanish team. The medals were presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also congratulated the players on the podium.

^{İspanya Kralı VI. Felipe ve Kızı Sofía de Borbón İle Birlikte Kutlamada (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The World Cup trophy was jointly presented to Spain captain Rodri by U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. As Spanish players lifted the trophy in celebration, Trump remained beside them for a moment before leaving the podium. Also present at the ceremony was Melania Trump, wife of the U.S. president, who stood beside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Immediately after the match, Spain’s King Felipe VI embraced Lamine Yamal on the pitch. Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi was embraced by Spanish players during the ceremony.

FIFA announced that it would award special rings to the winning team’s players, inspired by the championship ring tradition in American sports. Similar to those given to Super Bowl champions in the National Football League, 30 rings will be made for the world champions. Each ring will feature a miniature World Cup on its design and an inscription on the inside. FIFA will also produce an additional 1,996 rings for sale to fans.^【6】

With the tournament’s conclusion, FIFA distributed its individual awards. Spain captain and midfielder Rodri won the adidas Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. The 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder received the award from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.^【7】 Rodri had previously won the Ballon d’Or in 2023 and was named the best player of UEFA Euro 2024 following Spain’s victory over England. He earned the Golden Ball through an influential midfield performance across eight matches.

Lionel Messi won the adidas Silver Ball, and Kylian Mbappé won the adidas Bronze Ball.^【8】

^{Bireysel Ödüller (Anadolu Ajansı)}

French footballer Kylian Mbappé won the adidas Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals in eight matches.^【9】 Mbappé became the first player ever to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice. Lionel Messi won the adidas Silver Boot with eight goals, and England’s Jude Bellingham won the adidas Bronze Boot with seven goals.

Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon won the adidas Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper after keeping seven clean sheets in eight matches, including the 1-0 extra-time final victory over Argentina.^【10】

Barcelona’s 19-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí won the FIFA Young Player Award (sponsored by Aramco). Cubarsí played a crucial role in Spain’s defense, which conceded only one goal throughout the tournament.^【11】

The FIFA Fair Play Cup, sponsored by McDonald’s, was awarded to the Netherlands.^【12】

Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente expressed immense pride in the generation of footballers who grew up with this ideal. He said the players demonstrated the spirit of a team and a family, possess extraordinary talent, and that accompanying them on this journey was an honor for him. He described himself as deeply emotional, having spoken extensively with the players, and affirmed that they had won everything and that it was wonderful. De la Fuente emphasized that this generation is a source of pride for Spain and that together they are stronger.

De la Fuente believed the match could have been won earlier, noting that Martinez’s saves prevented an earlier victory, but acknowledged that this was a World Cup final and that even with ten men, suffering was inevitable.

Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal, immediately after the match told reporters that his only desire in that moment was to hold the trophy as tightly as possible, and that the goal itself was the least important thing. He said this was the dream of the 47 million people on the pitch that day, that they deserved it, and that they had given everything. ^【13】

Torres also admitted Spain had started the tournament poorly. He expressed immense relief, acknowledging they had faced heavy criticism throughout the World Cup, but believed destiny had written their path. He said God had always given him strength to persevere and that in the end, it was given to the most deserving. Torres described the journey as a marathon, not a sprint, and emphasized that regardless of what came, they kept working hard and that everything ultimately went to those who deserved it most.

Torres added that the goal belonged to the 47 million people, not just himself or the 26 players on the pitch. He said the result was written in the stars, that the match was winnable, and that even when far from home, they did everything possible to make their people feel close. He noted that all finals are difficult, that tension always arises when Messi is on the opposing side, but that they remained faithful to their football philosophy and showed it once again. Torres joined Andrés Iniesta as the only two Spanish players to score the winning goal in a World Cup final.^【14】

After the defeat, Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni delivered an emotional statement. He said he felt sadness but also pride in knowing his team had given everything. He had much to say about how they reached this point, but felt it was not the right time. Scaloni expressed eternal gratitude to his players for giving the nation another World Cup final and fighting until the end. He acknowledged Spain was the better side and accepted it as reality.

Scaloni said he would always value what his players achieved and the significance of reaching this stage, especially given how difficult it was. He emphasized that they knew how to win and how to lose, and that losing this match did not erase everything they had done to get here.^【15】

Scaloni said he wanted to thank the fans, the players, and his country while still on the pitch, expressing that they had given everything. He said they entered the match with their hands tied but that when players give everything as they did, they become a great example for their people and country. He added that when you lose, you must pick yourself up and start again.

At the press conference, Scaloni spoke for a few minutes before being overcome with tears and unable to continue. He spoke proudly of Argentina’s journey since Qatar and said he would take time to think about his future as national team coach. At the start of the press conference, he evaluated the match and the difficulties Argentina faced against Spain, noting that his players had reached their physical limits, suffered various injuries, and that Enzo Fernandez had been sent off. Scaloni said they had to replace three of their four defenders, but stressed this was not an excuse, only a reflection of the immense physical burden. He said his players arrived in the best possible form and gave one final effort, but that when you are not at the top against such a team, you pay the price. He added that if only one team could remain in the match until the end, it was theirs.^【16】

Scaloni was asked whether this was Lionel Messi’s final match in the Argentina jersey and what his own future held with his contract extending until December. Scaloni said he had not spoken with Messi and would speak with AFA president Claudio Tapia about his own future. He had a rough idea of what he wanted to do, would complete his contract, and then see what happened. He said he needed time to think because he did not know whether he or anyone on his staff would ever achieve something so great again. At this point, his voice trembled, he rubbed his eyes, struck the table, and was met with applause; he continued, but his eyes were filled with tears.

^{Lionel Messi (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Scaloni said that as a coaching staff, they had given everything until the end, and so had the players, which is why he felt it was fair to take time to reflect. He said being here was amazing, that being here was a dream, and that neither he nor any member of his staff had ever imagined reaching this point, even in their wildest dreams. He said rebuilding such a group required immense effort, that starting from zero and building another team like this was a huge task and deeply painful, then apologized, stood up, and left the room; his departure was met with applause from the entire hall and beyond.

Argentina’s star Lionel Messi was also among the tearful players after the final whistle. At 39 years old, Messi gazed longingly at the Argentine fans filling the stands, who called his name, leading to speculation that this might have been his final appearance on the biggest stage. After the match, Lamine Yamal consoled Messi, and the two embraced.