We will not hear the same again: the hot notes of the World Cup final

BarcelonaFerran Torres will go down in history as the decisive goalscorer in the second World Cup won by the Spanish national team in its entire history. In extra time, the Valencian from Barça shot down Dibu Martínez, who had made several saves, to unleash a delirium that will last for years. Here are some immediate thoughts.

Thank you, Leo. At 39 years old, the Argentine has given us his best World Cup. In the sixth he has played (and competed to win), he has scored eight goals and led his team to the final. He will be angry now because he lost it (he hates losing, you know). But he can be very calm. Seeing him at this level at this stage is the most exciting thing seen not only in this championship, but in dozens of football weekends for many years. This match marks the beginning of a long mourning for those of us who have chronicled his adventure from day one. Nothing will be the same without the number 10. We will never feel the same about anyone.

Go ahead, Lamine. In contrast to Messi, who evokes all sorts of nostalgia despite being active, we still have to build most of our memories with Lamine Yamal. At just 19 years old, the prodigy is of such magnitude that we already have enough to fill some memory units. But with the Maresme native, the present weighs most heavily. Talking about the future is a waste of time (and a sign of ingratitude) when what we have in front of us today and now is so impressive. Despite playing the entire World Cup below his capabilities, he played a final bordering on excellent. May the star (and perhaps the Ballon d'Or) be kind to him.

Spain discovers what is good. Cubarsí has not only been Barça's best player in the tournament, but also De la Fuente's entire squad's best. Even the most recalcitrant madridista has surrendered to the Barcelona centre-back, key for 'la roja' to concede only one goal in eight matches. He also decisively participated in the play that tipped the tie against Belgium. And in the final, besides giving a passing masterclass against a very stingy Argentina (no shots on target), he was Enzo Fernández's victim in the action that left the 'albiceleste' with ten players.

Rougher than a lime. Years ago we understood that football is a business. But in the United States, the capital of show and appearances, FIFA has felt especially legitimized to milk the teat. The world body has spent millions on the continent for a tournament that has left better content in the identity of the finalists than in the beauty of the game. A sad example of this trend has been the final's pitch. It was prioritized to cover it so that Robbie Williams or Madonna could walk on it, and then, when it was time to play, it turned out to be too dry, which affected the spectacle. But hey, show must go on.