The moment arrived in the 106th minute. Pedro Porro crossed deep, Nico Williams headed back, and Ferran Torres — a substitute — smashed the ball high and true. Spain had their second World Cup title, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
It was the triumph of an idea, an identity. Spain were the only team that turned up to play, from the first whistle to the last. Argentina, damned by a lack of ambition, did not manage a shot on goal until the 115th minute — even before Enzo Fernández was sent off near the end of regulation time. Luis de la Fuente’s side conceded just one goal in eight matches. Rodri, the captain and player of the tournament, lifted the trophy as delirium swept over a generation that had emulated the legends of 2010.
“Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in World Cup final, with Trump handing medals and Messi asking for Cucurella red card.”
But the celebrations came with an awkward gatecrasher: Donald Trump. The US president handed out medals to both teams and then lingered on stage as Spain lifted the trophy, standing next to it. It drew comparison to the 2025 Club World Cup final, when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella — who played a key role in Spain’s defence — had admitted he was “scared s***less” of Trump. Cucurella recalled being told “as a rule” that Trump would present the trophy and that players could not lift it until he left. “The guy didn’t want to leave,” Cucurella said. “I wondered who would say anything to him.” This time, Trump again stood by as the trophy was hoisted.
Argentina’s frustration boiled over. Lionel Messi, leaving nothing to chance as a second world title slipped away, was branded a “baby” after asking for Cucurella to be sent off. His team had not lost a knockout tie since 2019, but they got what they deserved. After full time, substitute Leandro Paredes was shown a red card in an ugly flashpoint. Messi could not suppress his tears as he gazed at the Argentina support. There would be no fairytale sign-off.
For Spain, the idea had won. For everyone else, the images of Trump and Messi will be just as hard to forget.