Spain wins again FIFA World Cup header after Ferran Torres struck a late winner to break Argentina’s resistance in a thrilling final. Lionel MessiThe 10-man team failed to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup crown.Spain secured victory after a tense and dramatic contest as Torres scored in the 106th minute to give La Roja a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina and deny Messi another World Cup legend.After 105 minutes of constant pressure, missed chances and Argentina’s strong resistance, Torres scored just 37 seconds after the restart for the second period of extra time.The goal came from a smart move by the team. Pedro Porro sent a deep ball into the box, Nico Williams controlled the ball from a dangerous position, and Torres got there late to hit the roof of the net.Spain’s celebrations began as Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup title ended.The goal was a reward for Spain’s dominance throughout the tournament. The management of La Roja, created many chances and repeatedly tested the Argentinian player Emiliano Martinez, who kept his team alive with a great performance in the final.Argentina, who were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received a red card late in the period, were left to chase the game with difficulty and little threat.
Messi’s final World Cup campaign ends in tragedy as Argentina struggle with 10 men
The finalists looked set to be awarded penalties after both teams failed to break through in the 90th minute and the first half of extra time.Spain had a goal ruled out in extra time when Nico Williams found the net, but the referee adjudged that Mikel Merino had collided with Nicolas Otamendi before finishing.However, Argentina’s resistance suffered a major blow before extra time when Fernandez was sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi.The midfielder, who scored Argentina’s goal in their last win over England, objected to the decision, but referee Slavko Vincic did not hesitate.With 10 players in the game, Argentina were forced into defensive mode. Coach Lionel Scaloni replaced Julian Alvarez with defender Marcos Senesi as Spain continued to push forward.The defeat ended Argentina’s dream of a fourth World Cup title and denied Messi the chance to lift the trophy for the second time in a row.Messi, playing in what was expected to be his final World Cup, struggled to turn the game around as the Spanish midfielder and defense found the Argentine star.The defeat also ended Argentina’s remarkable run as reigning champions after their shock penalty shoot-out victory over France in the 2022 final in Qatar.Spain, meanwhile, completed a golden era revival by winning their second World Cup title after their famous 2010 victory in South Africa.The win also capped a remarkable run for youngster Lamine Yamal, who became the first player to appear in a UEFA European Championship final and a FIFA World Cup final as a teenager.