The Spanish players created one of the most famous moments of the game after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026, making an honorable defense for Lionel Messi and the Argentine team as they claimed their last medals after the final at MetLife Stadium. Moments after the 1-0 win over Argentina, several Spanish players first walked onto the pitch to hug and console Messi, whose hopes of leading his country to back-to-back World Cup appearances had ended. The Barcelona legend, ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​is​​ is​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​has struggles to creates a form of action against a reticent Spanish defense) has sunk in the sand after the final whistle, looking off into the distance as the defeat begins. After the medal ceremony began, the newly crowned champions of Spain lined up to form a guard of honor for the Argentine players on their way to the stadium. Messi, leading his teammates, tried to smile but could not hide his disappointment as he walked through the line of applauders. Several Spanish players gently patted him on the back and chest in a show of respect for one of football’s greatest icons. Emotional scenes took place after Spain ended Argentina’s reign as world champions with an emphatic victory. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time after being set up by Nico Williams, giving La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title. For Messi, the defeat was the end of his quest to become a two-time World Cup winner. Twenty years after making his World Cup debut, the 39-year-old has failed to inspire Argentina to become the first country in more than 50 years to successfully defend the trophy. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to his manager after the finish. “I’m sure everyone is proud of him, for what he’s achieved because he’s the best football player that ever stepped foot,” Scaloni said. Spain’s success was based on complete control of all competitions. Luis de la Fuente’s team led the way, outscored Argentina 845-433 and finished with a huge 20-2 advantage in shots, the second difference in a World Cup final since statistics began in 1966, according to Opta. The European champions also completed a remarkable campaign by scoring one goal in eight games as they extended their unbeaten run to a European record 38 games. Messi, who has appeared in 34 World Cup matches across six tournaments, found little joy against Spain’s defence. He managed just 15 touches in the first half and 54 overall, not receiving the ball in dangerous positions. Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente later revealed the team’s goal. “The first thought was for Messi not to leave,” he said. When Spain celebrated with the World Cup trophy and gold confetti filled the air, Messi left quietly wearing a silver medal, shoulders slumped after another unforgettable header in one of football’s greatest careers ended.
