Ferran Torres extra-time strike gives Spain 1-0 FIFA World Cup victory over Argentina

20 Jul 2026, 03:32 am IST|
Ferran Torres extra-time strike gives Spain 1-0 FIFA World Cup victory over Argentina
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Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time. Argentina were reduced to ten men when Enzo Fernandez received a red card. Lionel Messi's final World Cup appearance concluded without a trophy.

The match ended in a narrow victory for Spain, who secured the title with a solitary extra-time goal by Ferran Torres. Argentina, down to ten players following Enzo Fernandez's dismissal, were unable to find an equaliser. The result denied Lionel Messi a farewell World Cup triumph. Spain celebrated their second World Cup title after a long wait.

Both teams produced a tight, tense encounter that required extra time to separate them. Opportunities were limited during 90 minutes as defences held firm, and the deadlock persisted until the additional period. It was Ferran Torres who broke through to score the only goal, ensuring Spain emerged victorious. The scoreline finished 1-0 in favour of Spain.

Argentina's numerical disadvantage became a decisive factor after Enzo Fernandez received a red card. Playing with ten men altered Argentina's tactical options and placed added strain on their efforts to secure a result. Despite the setback, Argentina pushed to find an opening but could not overturn the deficit. The dismissal was a key moment that influenced the remainder of the match.

For Lionel Messi, the outcome marked the end of his World Cup career without adding another trophy to his collection. The campaign concluded in disappointment for Argentina's talisman, whose final appearance on the World Cup stage did not deliver the desired silverware. The loss will be felt deeply given the stakes and symbolism of the occasion.

Spain's victory restored the World Cup to their cabinet for a second time and brought an end to Argentina's title defence. Ferran Torres' extra-time strike provided the decisive moment in a game of fine margins, handing Spain the championship. The result reordered the international landscape, with Spain crowned world champions once more.

SpainArgentinaFerran TorresEnzo FernandezLionel Messi