Skipper Lionel Messi wept uncontrollably as the FIFA World Cup 2026 came to an end on Sunday with Spain lifting its second title after beating Argentina 1-0 at the New Jersey Stadium.

The highly explosive encounter ended goalless at the end of regular 90 minutes.

Ferran Torres however struck from close range in extra-time to score the winner of the game.

Spain also dominated the prize ceremony after the World Cup final, winning three of the four awards. Rodri won the Golden Ball, which is for the best player of the tournament, Pau Cubarsi won the Best Young Player award while Unai Simon got the Golden Glove.

France’s Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot for scoring 10 goals and four assists in the tournament this year.

For more than two hours inside the MetLife Stadium, Luis de la Fuente’s side tightened its grip around Argentina as every ball seemed to reach only the men in red. Playing this Spain must feel like being trapped in the coils of a Burmese python.

Each time an opponent exhales, the grip tightens a little more, steadily squeezing away space, options and hope. Every unguarded patch of grass is occupied, and every passing lane is narrowed until the opposition is starved of air and ideas alike.

Spain was quick to impose the rhythm that had carried it through this tournament. Rodri and Fabian Ruiz monopolised possession, forcing Argentina deeper into its own half as Lamini Yamal and Dani Olmo began probing for openings.