By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 20: The magic never arrived for Lionel Messi as Spain ended Argentina’s World Cup reign with a 1-0 victory early this morning, leaving the captain heartbroken in what could be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
The defeat ended Argentina’s hopes of becoming back-to-back champions after their triumph in Qatar 2022, while Messi’s sixth FIFA World Cup campaign concluded without the decisive moment many had hoped to see from one of football’s greatest players.
After carrying Argentina through another deep tournament run, Messi found himself contained by a disciplined Spanish side that successfully cut off his influence throughout the final at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey.
The Argentina captain, who entered the tournament as the reigning world champion, was unable to produce the flashes of brilliance that had defined his career, with Spain limiting his space and preventing him from creating meaningful danger in the attacking third.
Instead, it was Spain who controlled the contest from the start.
La Roja dominated possession, created the majority of chances and eventually found the breakthrough in the second period of extra time through Ferran Torres in the 106th minute.
The goal came after Nico Williams sent a headed assist into Torres’ path, allowing the forward to finish past the Argentina defence and secure Spain’s second World Cup title.
Spain’s victory was built on a dominant statistical performance.
Argentina managed only three attempts throughout the match, with none on target, while Spain recorded 20 shots, including 11 that tested the goalkeeper.
The defending champions struggled to threaten Spain’s goal, failing to register an effort before extra time as La Roja’s defensive organisation kept Argentina’s attacking threats, including Messi, largely quiet.
Spain had earlier seen two goals ruled out during the match.
Nico Williams’ effort was cancelled after a suspected foul in the build-up, while Ferran Torres also saw a goal disallowed for offside.
However, Spain’s persistence eventually paid off after Argentina were reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernandez’s second yellow card late in normal time for a foul on Pau Cubarsi.
With the numerical advantage, Spain increased the pressure and finally broke through to seal victory.
For Messi, the defeat was a painful ending to a remarkable World Cup journey.
The 39-year-old, who made his World Cup debut in 2006, had guided Argentina to his third World Cup final appearance and scored eight goals throughout the 2026 tournament before falling short in the decisive match.
Despite failing to add another World Cup medal to his collection, Messi’s legacy remains untouched. He finally lifted the trophy in Qatar 2022 after years of heartbreak, completing the one achievement that had eluded him for much of his legendary career.
The final also marked a changing of the guard in world football, with Spain showcasing the strength of its next generation.
Teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi became World Cup winners at just 19 years old, highlighting Spain’s promising future and signalling that La Roja could remain among football’s elite for years to come.
As Messi walked away from the pitch in tears, Spain celebrated a new era of dominance, while Argentina faced the difficult task of preparing for life beyond their iconic captain.
Photo credit: @sefutbol (Instagram)
— DayakDaily
