Sections
Edition
Language
Sports

The Spanish victory in images

Unverified translation
Pedri and Marc Cucurella defending Leo Messi.
Pedri and Marc Cucurella defending Leo Messi. SARAH YENESEL
Sports
ARA
20/07/2026
20 images

Sixteen years later, Spain has once again been proclaimed world champion. A goal from Ferran Torres in the second half of extra time was enough for the Spanish team to defeat Leo Messi's Argentina, who were left with one less player after Enzo Fernández's expulsion. The match was highly anticipated: Messi versus Lamine Yamal, and two teams with completely opposite styles. The political aspect of the confrontation is also significant. The final was played in the United States of America, and Donald Trump was present at the MetLife Stadium. Spain and the United States currently have a tense relationship, while Javier Milei's Argentina is much closer to the American magnate.

The MetLife Stadium packed to the brim during the players' exit to the pitch. At the stadium, more presence of Argentine fans than Spanish ones.
1 de 20 Reuters
The MetLife Stadium packed to the brim during the players' exit to the pitch. At the stadium, more presence of Argentine fans than Spanish ones.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, with Donald and Melania Trump. On the right, the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino.
2 de 20 EFE
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, with Donald and Melania Trump. On the right, the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino.
Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente hugging before the initial whistle sounds. The Argentine was a student of the Spaniard to obtain his coaching license.
3 de 20 EFE
Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente hugging before the initial whistle sounds. The Argentine was a student of the Spaniard to obtain his coaching license.
Lamine Yamal and Leo Messi share a playing field for the first time: Rocafonda's, aged 19, and the best player of all time, aged 39.
4 de 20 Martin Rickett / PA Wire / Europa Press
Lamine Yamal and Leo Messi share a playing field for the first time: Rocafonda's, aged 19, and the best player of all time, aged 39.
Julián Álvarez and Lamine Yamal fighting for a ball. Who knows if, next year, they will finally be forward teammates.
5 de 20 EFE
Julián Álvarez and Lamine Yamal fighting for a ball. Who knows if, next year, they will finally be forward teammates.
Donald Trump and Pedro Sánchez shaking hands at MetLife Stadium. In the background, the Kings of Spain and Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA.
6 de 20 EFE
Donald Trump and Pedro Sánchez shaking hands at MetLife Stadium. In the background, the Kings of Spain and Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA.
Madonna has surrounded herself with two Brazilian stars to sing during halftime. Ronaldinho and Ronaldo have accompanied the singer dressed in tracksuits.
7 de 20 Europa Press
Madonna has surrounded herself with two Brazilian stars to sing during halftime. Ronaldinho and Ronaldo have accompanied the singer dressed in tracksuits.
During the halftime show, Shakira performed 'Dai dai', the tournament's song.
8 de 20 EFE
During the halftime show, Shakira performed 'Dai dai', the tournament's song.
Lamine Yamal has been a woodpecker for the Argentine defense. The Catalan star is capable of overcoming any rival.
9 de 20 RONALD WITTEK
Lamine Yamal has been a woodpecker for the Argentine defense. The Catalan star is capable of overcoming any rival.
The red card to Enzo Fernández. The Argentine midfielder has been sent off for a double yellow after a tackle on Cubarsí. Argentina has been left with 10 players before going to extra time.
10 de 20 RONALD WITTEK
The red card to Enzo Fernández. The Argentine midfielder has been sent off for a double yellow after a tackle on Cubarsí. Argentina has been left with 10 players before going to extra time.
The controversial foul by Mikel Merino on Nicolás Otamendi that disallowed Nico Williams' goal. It would have meant 1-0 for Spain.
11 de 20 RONALD WITTEK
The controversial foul by Mikel Merino on Nicolás Otamendi that disallowed Nico Williams' goal. It would have meant 1-0 for Spain.
The blaugrana Ferran Torres has been the one in charge of putting Spain ahead on the scoreboard in the 106th minute. The Valencian came off the bench and revolutionized the match.
12 de 20 RONALD WITTEK
The blaugrana Ferran Torres has been the one in charge of putting Spain ahead on the scoreboard in the 106th minute. The Valencian came off the bench and revolutionized the match.
Ferran Torres celebrating the goal that was worth a World Cup. The Valencian finished the ball after an assist from Nico Williams.
13 de 20 JAMES LANG
Ferran Torres celebrating the goal that was worth a World Cup. The Valencian finished the ball after an assist from Nico Williams.
The goalscorer Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal hugging during the celebration of the Spanish goal. The two Barça players have been key for the Spanish team.
14 de 20 WILL OLIVER
The goalscorer Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal hugging during the celebration of the Spanish goal. The two Barça players have been key for the Spanish team.
The joy of the Spanish selection during the celebration. Pau Cubarsí takes out a Catalan flag; Dani Olmo, the flag of Terrassa.
15 de 20 SARAH YENESEL
The joy of the Spanish selection during the celebration. Pau Cubarsí takes out a Catalan flag; Dani Olmo, the flag of Terrassa.
Messi and Lamine Yamal hugging amidst Argentine desolation. A hug between two generations of talent made in Catalonia.
16 de 20 RONALD WITTEK
Messi and Lamine Yamal hugging amidst Argentine desolation. A hug between two generations of talent made in Catalonia.
The scorer of the night, Ferran Torres, hugging Leo Messi at the end of the match. The blaugrana has ended the dream of a last World Cup for the best player in history.
17 de 20 Europa Press
The scorer of the night, Ferran Torres, hugging Leo Messi at the end of the match. The blaugrana has ended the dream of a last World Cup for the best player in history.
Leo Messi breaks the runner-up medal from the hands of Donald Trump.
18 de 20 RONALD WITTEK
Leo Messi breaks the runner-up medal from the hands of Donald Trump.
The 10 of Argentina, Leo Messi, after the one that could be his last World Cup final has escaped him. He has played three, and he has lost two in extra time.
19 de 20 Europa Press
The 10 of Argentina, Leo Messi, after the one that could be his last World Cup final has escaped him. He has played three, and he has lost two in extra time.
Spain proclaims itself world champion. Donald Trump sticks himself in the photo, despite Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, showing him the way out.
20 de 20 RONALD WITTEK
Spain proclaims itself world champion. Donald Trump sticks himself in the photo, despite Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, showing him the way out.
stats