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Lionel Messi and Argentina fall to Spain in World Cup final

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 11:27 PM

Last updated Jul 19, 2026

Lionel Messi and Argentina fall to Spain in World Cup final

Summary

Lionel Messi, at 39, could not lead Argentina to its second consecutive World Cup as Spain claimed a 1-0 victory at MetLife Stadium. Ferran Torres scored just 37 seconds into the second extra-time period. Throughout the tournament, Spain demonstrated dominance, outscoring opponents 20-1 and only conceding one goal. This win marks Spain's second World Cup title, further establishing their position as a top soccer power after recently winning the women's title. Messi's performance, though significant, fell short as he made history with his third World Cup final appearance, raising his international goals to 125.

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By the Numbers

•Ferran Torres scores in extra time to secure Spain's victory
•Spain outperformed Argentina with 20-1 shot advantage
•Messi participated in his third World Cup final
•Argentina aims to regroup after missing back-to-back titles
•Spain now boasts an unbeaten streak of 38 matches

Latest Updates

11:27 PMYahoo Sports — Messi can conjure no more magic as crown passes from Argentina to Spain

What they're saying

"
Lionel Messi could conjure no more magic. Twenty years after his World Cup debut and a career that lifted him above Pelé and Diego Maradona as soccer’s greatest player, at 39 he could not will Argentina to become the first repeat champion in more than a half-century. Spain outplayed the Albiceleste from the opening whistle at MetLife Stadium, where the overwhelming majority of 80,663 were hoping for a recoronation.
— Yahoo Sportsby RONALD BLUM

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