Messi chased his last World Cup. Spain made sure history had other plans.
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the trophy ceremony at MetLife Stadium was stacked with history from start to finish.
Ferran Torres came off the bench and buried the winner in the 106th minute. Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez made save after save to keep his side alive, but it wasn’t enough.
The individual hardware told its own story. Rodri took home the Golden Ball over Messi himself. Unai Simón grabbed the Golden Glove. Pau Cubarsí won Best Young Player, edging out his own 19-year-old teammate Lamine Yamal. Two teenagers, both on the winning side.
Coach Luis de la Fuente became the oldest man ever to win a World Cup at 65. Spain also conceded just one single goal across the entire tournament, the fewest by any champion in the competition’s history.
And then there was the ceremony itself. President Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian PM Mark Carney all took the field to hand out the medals, with Spain’s King Felipe VI watching from the stands.
For Messi, it was a bittersweet final chapter. For Spain, it was proof that the best team in the world doesn’t need one superstar. It needs all of them.
Watch the full trophy ceremony, the awards, and Rodri lifting the trophy in the video below.
