Sixteen years after Johannesburg, Spain return to the summit of world football

Spain reclaimed the World Cup with a commanding performance that finally broke Argentina’s resistance in extra time, ending Lionel Messi’s era on the harshest note. From the outset, Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the tempo, forcing Emiliano Martinez into a string of outstanding saves that kept the Albiceleste alive far longer than their play deserved. Spain’s pressure intensified after the break, and Argentina’s hopes dimmed when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in stoppage time, leaving his team a man down at the decisive moment.

Extra time brought drama and frustration, with Spain seeing a goal ruled out by VAR before Ferran Torres delivered the decisive strike, smashing home after Nico Williams’ clever assist. Argentina pushed desperately, and Spain even had a second goal disallowed, but the numerical advantage proved decisive. Sixteen years after Johannesburg, Spain stand atop the world again, stitching a second star onto their crest.