Ferran Torres extra-time strike hands Spain second World Cup; Scaloni on Messi future

Spain claimed their second FIFA World Cup title by defeating Argentina in the 2026 final, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in extra time. Coach Lionel Scaloni said the matter of Lionel Messi's future remains the player's personal decision.

The result ended Argentina's reign and secured Spain their first World Cup victory since 2010. Spain completed the tournament unbeaten and conceded only one goal across their campaign. Torres, introduced from the bench, produced the moment that settled the final in extra time.

Torres's late intervention provided the match-winner after regulation failed to separate the teams, and his strike ultimately decided the championship. The goal came after he had come on as a substitute, underscoring the impact of Spain's bench selections. That finish extinguished Argentina's hold on the title they had previously held.

Spain's overall tournament record was notable for its consistency; they navigated the competition without a defeat. Across the entire campaign the team allowed just a single goal, a statistic that reflected their results throughout the event. The unbeaten run culminated in the extra-time victory that delivered the nation's second World Cup crown.

Questions about Lionel Messi's future surfaced immediately after the final, and Scaloni addressed those directly to place the decision with the player. "Lionel Messi's future remains his personal decision, according to coach Lionel Scaloni." The coach framed the issue as one for Messi himself to resolve rather than the team or management.

The outcome marks a significant moment for Spain, ending a 16-year wait for a World Cup title since 2010 and adding a second global championship to their history. Meanwhile, the question of Messi's next steps was left open, with Scaloni emphasizing that it is ultimately for Messi to decide.