Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream ends as Spain deny Argentina historic title defence

• Lionel Messi’s future with Argentina remains uncertain after Spain defeated the reigning champions 1-0 in extra time to win the FIFA World Cup.
• Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal as Spain prevented Argentina from becoming the first nation since 1962 to retain the men’s World Cup.
• Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged supporters to celebrate Messi’s legacy after another remarkable tournament from the captain.

Lionel Messi left MetLife Stadium with tears in his eyes and uncertainty surrounding his international future after Spain ended Argentina’s bid to defend the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Sunday’s final.

Ferran Torres struck just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time to separate the sides and deliver Spain a second World Cup crown, ending Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first men’s team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive titles.

As Spain celebrated at the centre of the pitch, Messi stood alongside his teammates acknowledging the travelling Argentina supporters, who applauded the squad despite the disappointment. It was a painful conclusion for the captain, whose performances throughout the tournament had once again driven his country to football’s biggest occasion.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to Messi after the final whistle, describing him as the greatest player to have played the game.

“I hope everyone feels proud of what he’s achieved because he’s the best football player ever stepping foot on a pitch,” Scaloni said.

Whether the defeat marked Messi’s final appearance for Argentina remains unknown.

The 39-year-old had previously suggested the 2022 World Cup would be his last before returning for a sixth tournament in North America, becoming the first player to reach that milestone. Scaloni admitted he had not yet discussed the captain’s future, while Messi departed the stadium without speaking to reporters.

The final proved an enormous tactical challenge for Argentina against a Spain side that controlled possession for long periods and limited Messi’s influence throughout the contest.

Spain finished with a commanding advantage in both shots and completed passes, underlining the control Luis de la Fuente’s side established over the course of the evening.

“When you have Messi on the other side, you’re always nervous,” Torres said. “But we trusted our football and showed it again.”

For much of the tournament, Messi had continued to defy expectations.

After leaving European football for Major League Soccer three years ago, questions had been raised about whether he could still dominate at the highest level. Instead, he guided Argentina back to another World Cup final, finishing the competition with eight goals and four assists while extending his remarkable international career.

His World Cup scoring record was eventually surpassed when France forward Kylian Mbappé scored twice in Saturday’s third-place playoff, although Messi once again demonstrated why he remains one of the defining figures of the modern era.

Spain ensured there would be no final flourish.

Their defensive structure denied Messi the spaces he has punished opponents with throughout his career, while his attempts to unlock the Spanish back line were repeatedly closed down before developing into clear opportunities.

“The first idea was to keep Messi at bay,” De la Fuente said.

After the final whistle, several Spain players crossed the pitch to embrace the Argentina captain before celebrations began.

Messi remained on the turf for several moments before eventually joining his teammates to collect their runners-up medals. As Spain lifted the trophy, he walked away from the field with his shoulders lowered, bringing the curtain down on another unforgettable World Cup campaign, even if his international story may not yet be finished.